SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 ISSUE
Marathoners Ready to Run for the Red September 18
Phone calls of curiosity have been fielded by organizers of the first Run for the Red marathon and half marathon. A lot of those callers have signed up to run in the Saturday, September 18, event.
The marathon will begin at Valle Crucis Elementary and head up Highway 194 toward Banner Elk. The marathon will finish at the school after making turns on many other roads in the area. The half marathon (13.1 miles) also begins at Valle Crucis Elementary School and goes to Watauga River Road. Runners will run 6.55 miles one way, turn around and run back to the school.
The marathon will begin at 7:00 a.m., while the half marathon will start 30 minutes later. The cost for the marathon is $67.50, and the half marathon is $47.50 if runners register before September 11. If you register after that, the costs go up $10.
Co-organizers Fay Binning and Sonny Sweet said there should be around 100 runners in the two races. Money raised from the Run for the Red marathon and half marathon will go to help the local American Red Cross chapter.
“We’re happy with the turnout,” Binning said. “That’s really good for a first-year event.”
The duo hopes the race—because of its beautiful course and cool weather—will compete with another Red Cross fundraiser (the June bike ride Blood, Sweat and Gears) as a top-tier event.
“We started Blood, Sweat and Gears with 117 riders 12 years ago,” Sweet said. “If we can put on the same quality event and put the word out there, it will pick up.”
“We’re trying to get people to come into the High Country to stay in the bed and breakfasts and spend money in town,” Binning said. “It’s all about tourism and helping to put more money in the coffers of the [Red Cross].”
They’ve already set the date for next year’s event—Saturday, September 17, 2011—so runners can start preparing.
Sweet and Binning said that volunteers are still needed to help with the race. If you’re interested in helping, contact Sweet at 828-773-5622 or call the Red Cross office at 828-264-8226.
Runners can click to www.wataugaredcross.com to sign up. For more information, click to www.wataugaredcross.com.
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