Myrtle Beach Planning

I must admit, I have a hard time trying to take off my "planner" hat after the Richmond Marathon. With the size group we have going to Myrtle (13 runners), I want to have a little organization around the trip, so here goes. . .

Entries: Looks like all races are going to sell out, as the Marathon only has a few spots let, and the half sold out weeks ago. Having most of your entries come a few months before the race usually indicates a smaller percentage of "no-shows", so arrive early and expect a crowd for the start!

Expo: If your travel time is tight, post a comment. There is probably someone who can pick up your race packet for you with a copy of your ID. There is no race day packet pickups. The Expo runs from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Friday. The last expo I went to sponsored by BI-LO had lots of food, and even beer.

Weather: Part of tapering process is spending time obsessing about the weather (something you can't change). The 15-day forecast for Myrtle Beach now includes race day. Right now things look interesting, a low of 50 and a high of 68. They are calling for rain however, but this honestly means nothing two weeks out. 10 days from New York, they were calling for snow, but Ryan and I ran in shorts on a perfect day. One thing to keep in mind is that Myrtle starts early. Half runners will be done by 9:00 am, and full runners by 11:00 am. You will never feel the high temps.

Dinner: In Richmond we organized a group dinner. It actually worked out very well, and we had our own private dinning room, with everything pre-ordered. It was quick and good. I would not mind a group gathering again, but if it is not prearranged, all it will do is make your dinner take too long. If someone is interested in coordinating a dinner I am on board, but I will not have the time, nor do I have the knowledge of the Myrtle Beach area to pull it off.

Here is a list of Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach. It has local options, Olive Gardens, Carrabbas, and even Fazolis if you want good, cheep, and quick. I have no idea where these are in relation to the race and hotel. There is a Pasta Dinner put on by the race, with a standard pasta menu. There is no information about the cost on their site. It is at the host hotel, and runs from 5:00 to 8:00 which probably means it is a buffet, and you eat when you are ready. It likely will be crowded, but if the price is right it may be a good option.

Shirts and Names: First and foremost. . . wear what makes you comfortable in the race. That being said, use your RMEC shirt if possible. With a group our size we could have lots of family members on the course. They may not know who you are, but they will cheer if they see your RMEC shirt. Secondly, put your name on your shirt if you want to be cheered for. We have a role of bright yellow electrical tape and a black Sharpie that works great.

Car Pooling and Cell Phones: Because most of us are staying at the same hotel, carpooling is probably a good idea. I expect we do not want to leave our families behind without a car. We can figure out the details when we get there. We need a cell phone list, so email me your numbers, if it is not already on our contact list page. I will consolidate the list and send everyone going to Myrtle a copy. Let me know where you are staying and when you are leaving too.

Spectators: I know very little about this race, but using only the map, here is the easiest option for the full marathon. Go to mile four. This is also mile 14.5 and mile 24.3, so you can see runners three times. Keep in mind however there will we 80-100 minutes in-between each time they run by. Anyone know if there is a coffee shop nearby?

House of Blues: All runners and volunteers get access to the post race party on Saturday night. You must be over 18 to attend. Post a comment if you plan to go. If not, you may consider loaning your race number to someone else so they can get free admission.