Fall/Winter Marathon Running

Thanks to everyone who voted in the marathon poll last week. In total we had 32 votes. There was one clear winner, and a solid number for two others as well. Here is where things stand:

11/13 Richmond Marathon - This race was the clear favorite with 18 votes. I know the RMEC has done this race twice as a group, but I still think it is one of the best options for our club. It is close enough for an easy trip, but far enough away that it feels like we are doing something special. Plus the course is great, they have two other race distances, and it is easy for us to do stuff as a team (expo, dinner, post race drinks, etc.)


11/14 OBX Marathon - Eight people also voted for OBX. This race is great for many of the same reasons as Richmond. The smaller size also would make it easy to navigate the town as a club. The race is the same weekend as Richmond, so people can follow the same training cycle even if they are doing different races.


10/30 Ridge to Bridge Marathon - The small town North Carolina marathon had eight votes like OBX. If you are looking for a fast marathon with a personal touch, this is a great option. It is two weeks before Richmond and OBX, so the training plans would not sync up exactly, but the long run schedule most likely will hit the same weekends, it will just be ahead by two weeks.

Other Options: Outside of the voting poll, some emails have been moving around about some other races. Even though Steamtown only had two votes in the poll, a group is already booking hotel rooms and registering. In addition, Kiawah in December has garnered some interest for several ladies in the RMEC.

10/10 Steamtown Marathon - Right now the following runners have committed to Steamtown: Ryan, Dave, Michael, Steve, Eric, and Tim. At least four others seem to have a strong interest. Some are driving, and some are flying ($200 flight). It is shaping up to be a fun trip. Right now my plan is to still do Richmond, because it is a full month after Steamtown.

12/11 Kiawah Marathon - This race is held on the island of Kiawah and has a half and full option. This race falls a month after Richmond/OBX, so runners could do the double if they are interested. Kiawah gives the benefit of cooler training weather if you don't like the summer heat.

So as we get closer to the fall, I will start to make the Saturday runs build up to the Richmond/OBX weekend. I will try to have other distances to support those doing different races, but ultimately it is up to you to follow your plan. We don't all train the same way, so the Saturday run is just a way to have a team feeling and to motivate each other.

So please take a minute now and post your race plans!

Plan to run:

• (10) Steamtown: Ryan, Dave, Tim, Steve, Eric, Michael, Derek, John, Jeanette, Ursula
• (1) New River 50k: Frank
• (1) Ridge to Bridge: Brian
• (11) Richmond: Amber, Jon, Michael, Charlotte, Russ, Frank, Tracy H., Charlotte, Jeff, Arthur, Kelly
• (0) OBX:
• (2) Kiawah: Kinnie, Tracy P.