Last Minute Richmond information

I know I have bombarded you with tips and information for the last month. It may have been a bit overwhelming, but it was not meant to be. I was trying to get you mentally preparing for your race. I wanted you to think about all that goes into to getting ready, visualize the course, and spread all of that nervous energy out over several weeks, not just a few days. This way you are hopefully not freaking out right now trying to think of everything you need to do.

Expo: Get to the expo on Friday. You will first pick up your race number and chip. Verify your name is correct on your number, and then visit the “chip table” so they can beep your chip and confirm it belongs to you. After that, you can look at the race merchandise, and then head into the vendor area. This is where you will pick up your race shirt. Somewhere along the way you will also get a 30th anniversary race poster. If this is your first marathon, it will be something you treasure.

Look for Don Garber and Joe Zilenski at the expo. They are normally directing runners where to go, near the race merchandise. Tell them hello. Look for other people with Sports Backers shirts too. These are going to be your blood brothers the next day. I encourage you to say hello to them as well.

Dinner: Many of you are joining us at 6:00 pm at the Capital Ale House. Please be there on time. I admit, I am nervous about feeding 29 people in a timely manner, but I have done everything possible to give them our exact menu. I will try to get there early to ensure they are ready.

If you are eating on your own, try to eat something that has worked for you in the past. Now is not the time to try the “Crawfish Cayenne Pepper Alfredo with Spinach Fettuccini” for the first time.

Race Morning: Just about everyone is staying at a hotel within walking distance to the start. The Marriott is the closest option. Each year, we try to do a group photo of each team and then of the whole team the morning of the race. We will be taking these photos at the SunTrust Plaza, 10th and Main Street. We will start taking them at 6:45. Just follow the orange shirts.

This may sound early, but this gives you time to get your legs moving, use the bathroom, check your bag, find your corral, etc. Plus, being close to the Marriott, most of you can walk back to your room for a private bathroom.

Don’t miss the excitement of race morning. Dress warmly, and come out for the fun. I really want you guys to see the 1000 orange shirts that will be out there, and feel part of the larger team.

Coaches: Ryan and I will be on the course as coaches for the race. This means we will be there to motivate you and provide any assistance you might need. If all goes as planned, you will see us more than once. If you see us, call out our names so we don’t miss you. We will be running with people throughout the race, so don’t be surprised if we join you for several miles.

There will be tons of coaches from mile 22 to 26. Tell them how you feel. They are there to help you. You paid extra to be on the Sports Backers team. This is when it pays dividends. There are about 100 coaches who want nothing more than to see you finish this race and reach your goal.

Post Race: There will be a small Sports Backers tent after the race. Just follow the orange shirts. Please check yourself in so we will know you finished safely. Just find the Rocky Mount list and put your time. After that, get some pizza and a drink. Now go cheer for your teammates!

Phone Numbers: If your information is not on the contact list, post it here so we can have cell phones to track people down.

GOOD LUCK!