Run Raleigh Run

I ran the Raleigh marathon when it debuted in 2000.  Okay, I ran a portion of the marathon by being part of a five person relay.  I ran five of the 26.2 miles, which at the time, was the most mileage I had ever run in a race.

I was nervous as heck but also extremely excited.  It was COLD.  I believe it was in the 30s that day.  It wasn’t a pretty day but it was the first marathon that Raleigh ever held, so it didn’t really matter.  Excitement was in the air.

I can’t remember exactly where I started my leg of the race, but I had to take a bus to it.  And “it” was on I-440 where no cars were out on the road.  Despite freezing my buns off, I thought this was amazingly cool.  Standing, waiting (for my ‘handoff’ runner), watching, and sharing in the excitement of this race, right there on the interstate.

All around me were excited participants and volunteers.  We saw the first runner pass us and we went crazy cheering him on.  I don’t know if my recollection is correct but I believe he had shorts on.  Did I mention it was somewhere in the 30s?  And very breezy, I might add…

But even more amazing for me was running into downtown Raleigh.  Wow.  The adrenaline hit me and I was awestruck at the sight of coming in from the interstate into Raleigh.  I knew a friend of mine lived downtown and I was able to see him, out there in the cold, cheering the runners on.  I was just giddy and had chills—not just from the cold—but from the wonderful Raleighites who withstood that cold day just to cheer the runners on.  There was a sense of pride and excitement at having our very own marathon winding through the streets of Raleigh.

I remember running through NC State and looking up at one of the dorms and seeing a window-full of moons—yes, butt cheeks—cheering me on.  I couldn’t help but laugh along with the the other runners around me.

Sadly, the Raleigh marathon did not last.  Sponsorship was lost and 2002 was the last year that this city held that marathon.

All is not lost, however, as Raleigh welcomes back, with a bang, another try at its own marathon.  On November 4th, Raleigh hosts the “City of Oaks” marathon.  Actually, it is the “Sony Ericsson City of Oaks Marathon and Rex Healthcare Half Marathon”.  I guess I should put a plug in for the great sponsors that helped bring back a marathon to our city.

The course will definitely highlight aspects of our great city.  Here is a description of the course from the marathon’s website:

The certified course was designed to showcase many of the focal points of the city, including the new Fayetteville Street, the State Capital Building, Glenwood South, N.C. State University and the Bell Tower, Carter-Finely Stadium, the State Fairgrounds, and Umstead State Park, which has long been a favorite destination for local runners. The course showcases the diversity of Raleigh’s landscape, from modern city to forest trails and open farmland.

So I hope those of you who love our city will join in on the fun and sign-up to run or walk 26.2 or 13.1 miles.  If that isn’t your thing, then please come out and show your support by cheering the runners and walkers on.  Let’s do what we can to keep this marathon up and running (no pun intended).

For more information, please check out the marathon’s website: City of Oaks Marathon.

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