Background: Most of you know that the Chase of Champions was canceled two years ago. Last year we had a great time running an unofficial "race" on the old course, and we are doing the same this year. Thanks to everyone who voted in the poll about the best date. As expected, there was no perfect choice, but there was a clear winner.The Date: We will run our "race" on Saturday 4/12 at 9:00 a.m. So mark you calendars, and tell a friend.The Size: Last year we ended up with about 50 total participants (runners and volunteers). This is a pretty comfortable size. After the first quarter mile runners are pretty spread out, and we can easily share the road with the cars. If it gets too much bigger we run into traffic issues. Remember, this is a group run. It is not an official race and not on a closed course.The Distance: Last year we were split 50/50 between 5k and 10k runners. I would expect the same this year. Runners can chose the distance they prefer to run. Just let me know in advance, so I can assign you the proper number. Here are links to the race course: The Safety Factor: As mentioned above, this will not be a closed course. There will be no traffic control. Cars will not stop for us to cross a road. I will have a waiver for people to sign stating that you acknowledge this. I know this sounds silly, but if 50+ people show up, because they hear a "race" is going on, I need to cover my rear-end. Everyone who reads this blog is experienced in running with traffic, and you should follow the same rules you do every day that you run.
The "Race" Factor: This is a certified course although the certification has expired. Like last year we will find someway to time this (most likely standing at the finish line with my wrist watch) and results will be posted to the blog. That being said. . . pick your own pace. Some of you will want to give it everything you got and try to set a PR. Others will probably use it as a training run and a way to show support to the future of the Chase of Champions. Whatever you decide is fine.
The Awards: I will personally pat you on the back, and everyone else will be in awe of your performance. Seriously. . . this is a no-frills run. If you are looking for awards, this is not the event for you. I will do my best with paper and pen to track the results of everyone who finishes the race, and will gladly recognize the top performers at the finish. After the race I will send something to the Telegram as well.
Shoe Donation: Last year we collected a bunch of old shoes. My plan was to donate these to the Let Me Play Reuse-A-Shoe program the Nike offers. This campaign, is one of Nike’s longest-running environmental and community programs, where worn-out athletic shoes of any brand are collected, processed and recycled into material used in sports surfaces like basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, running tracks and playgrounds for young people around the world. Turns out there are no drop off points in North Carolina, and this means shipping a very large box to Oregon. The end result. . . I still have all of your old stinky shoes in my garage.
I still think this is something worth doing, but I would need to get some help to ship the boxes out. So if people are interested in contributing their shoes, and helping to cover the shipping cost we can do this again in 2008. I already have about 50 pair of shoes to include.
Cost: This run does not have an entry fee, as it is not designed to make a profit. I will however have a few expenses (although small). Last year we had doughnuts, coffee, and water after the run. I would like to do the same this year. We also had a single table set up to pass out fluids during the race. We may be able to do that again as well. So if you can help in anyway let me know.
What comes next:
- Mark you calendars for 4/12 @ 9:00 am
- Tell a friend, but be clear this is a group run, and not an organized race
- Clean up your old shoes
- Tell me if you can help (setting up a water table, timing, putting out course signs, etc.)
Post a comment if you plan to run. I need to know your name and the distance you will run.