Nearby Recommended Race Options

PLEASE POST COMMENTS ON YOUR PLANS

Good morning RMEC! If you are reading this later in the day then good afternoon or good evening. I wanted to do a post about some upcoming area races. There are several races that are personal favorites and some others that are new and nearby. New races need the support of running clubs like the RMEC to succeed. After starting four races in the past five years, I like to try to help other independently run races see the same success that our races have had. I will start with those. 

10/23 American Tobacco Trail 10 Miler: This out-and-back 10-miler is on the same trail that we ran in the Tobacco Road Marathon. Don't let the word trail scare you off. This course is on a wide, flat, hard packed cinder trail. It is every bit as fast as road, but easier on the legs. Last year drew a crowd of 300 runners, 60% of which were women. The race has two separate starts for men and women which encourages more women to race. Registration is open now, and will sell out soon.

11/06 Picasso Run: This is a new race held in Roanoke Rapids. I am really excited about the course they have picked out. First of all, the race is a 10k. This is a distance that is becoming harder to find. Second of all the race is a perfect blend of roads and trail. Mile 2 through 4 take in the historic Roanoke Canal Trail. This is the same trail used for the Roanoke Canal Half Marathon. These are fast trails and should allow for quick times. I highly encourage you to register for this inaugural race and to enjoy a fall morning in Roanoke Rapids.

11/20 Nash Street Mile: Contrary to the race name, this another new 10k that is only 25 minutes away. This race will be held in Wilson, and is not direct by the same group who did the recent half marathon. The race course is very flat with only a total elevation change of 108 feet. The race starts are the Wilson County Library and then runs in the neighborhoods just beside Nash Street. It does have lots of turns for a 10k, but the course should have virtually no traffic concerns.

12/05 Dash for Cash: This event is not new, but it is another great independently run race. The race is held annually in Greenville and has a 10-Miler and a 5k. The 10-Miler is the signature race and has grown every year of the race. It is also a very fast and very flat course. If you are looking for a 10-Mile PR, this is the place to get it! Another thing I really like about this race is the start time and location. It begins at 1:00 p.m. on a Sunday at the Greenville Town Commons. They take advantage of the cool December weather with an afternoon race. This gives runners time to go to church and still be home in time for dinner. I would love to see the RMEC take 40 people to this race. With a 5k option it is a perfect opportunity to appeal to both new and experienced club members!

01/15 Little River Trail Run:  The Little River Trail Run is held annually just north of Durham.  This single track trail race is put on by the Trail Heads.  For those race you should expect a well run, fun cold, and personal race.  A small group from the RMEC has run in this race several times, and they keep coming back.  Trail runners are just a little different. . . they have fun and enjoy the race.  That shows through in the 10 Mile and 7k race.  Both race sell out early so if you plan to run sign up soon.

Moving into next year, there are two events I want to draw your attention to. These are bigger events and run on a much larger scale. I ran both of these races last year, and left wanting to come back in 2011.

03/20 Tobacco Road Marathon: This race began last year and was a big success. It had a few kinks (parking, and minor crowding) but overall was very well done. The race is held primarily on the American Tobacco Trail. There are two out-and-back sections which may sound bad, but actually is one of the highlights of the race. This allows you to see other runners including your friendly RMEC members along the way. In 2011 they will give the half marathon a 15 minute head start to reduce the crowding issues from last year. I HIGHLY recommend the RMEC pick this race as our Spring marathon. Here are reasons the RMEC should run:

• A half marathon option makes it an option for more runners.
• Five and half months of training means everyone in the RMEC could participate.  Even if you run/walk the half marathon.
• Cut off times allow all paces! The course closes at 2:00 pm, giving marathoners 6:45 to finish and half marathoner 7:00 to finish.
• No hotel required! We all drove up the morning of the race last year with no problems
• Friendly! See runners coming-and-going the entire race thanks to the out-and-backs.
• Unique! 20 miles on the tree lined trail is a rare race opportunity.
• Size! This race is big enough to feel special, but small enough to allow for a good experience.

Both races will sell out early. They did last year, and this year the event is even more popular. I seriously want to see this be the big spring race for the RMEC. I am already registered along with close to 500 others. Go ahead and sign up now. Get committed, set a goal, and run the race!

04/09 Tar Heel 10 Miler: This is another race that was a lot of fun the RMEC last year. First of all, running in Chapel Hill is beautiful. The race also has a unique finish when runners get to enter Kenan Stadium. Last year we had about a dozen do the race. Of the three 10M course mentioned in this post, this is not going to be the fastest. This race however will be the biggest and most exciting however. Another big perk to the race is the have a 4-Mile race as well. This is a great way for new runners to make a very gentle step up from a 5k, or for experienced runners to get an obscure PR.

I know there are lots of other great races around North Carolina. These are some that jumped out to me as one's that you should consider. We all love to run, but racing is that "carrot" that keeps us motivated. Don't waste these months with cooler weather. Get out there and have some fun!