Announcing the 41st Annual Harrisburg Marathon and Relay
Harrisburg, PA (PRWEB) October 18, 2013 -- The 41st Annual Harrisburg Marathon will be held on Sunday, November 10th, sponsored by Aspire Urgent Care and Family Medicine. The race is produced by the Harrisburg Area YMCA and all proceeds benefit the childcare scholarship program at the East Shore YMCA. Since 2009, when the YMCA took over this event, it has raised more than $127,000.
There are three different ways which participants can complete the race. They include running, walking and with a 2, 3 or 4 person relay team. Runners who need a little extra time to complete the race or prefer walking can take advantage of the early start time of 6:30 am. The mass start for all runners and relay participants is at 8am. The starting line is located on the Market Street Bridge just outside of City Island. There are three relay exchange points located on the course ranging from 5-7 miles in length. The relay option is an ideal way to be a part of the race without actually running the entire marathon.
The 26.2 mile long race is 95% paved and 5% gravel and runs through historic Shipoke and scenic Wildwood Lake Nature Park. Over 6 miles of the course runs alongside of the picturesque Susquehanna River. The beautiful scenery isn’t all the Harrisburg Marathon has to offer. The race is also a USATF Certified Course and a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.
Race participants will be timed using RFID high frequency disposable chips which will be attached to the back of their racing bibs. Mile marker signs will highlight each mile and bright yellow and black arrows will be available at all turns on the course. Portable toilets and aid stations, which will include water, Gatorade and gels, will be stationed every 2-2 ½ miles, and a huge post-race celebration with music, food and drink and the awards ceremony will await all runners at the finish.
Last year the event saw a record turnout with 2,215 participants, largely due to the cancellation of the NYC Marathon. “We are looking forward to another big event this year with the ability to show off the city of Harrisburg to participants and spectators from all around the northeast. The race has grown over the last several years to represent more than 35 different states and we expect more of the same this year” says Andy Wahila, Race Director for the Harrisburg Area YMCA.
Other sponsors of the Harrisburg Marathon include Dick’s Sporting Goods, David A. Smith Printing, Crystal Springs Water, Filson Water, Harrisburg Foot & Ankle, Martin’s Potato Chips, The Hershey Company, Tian Shi Acupuncture and Valley Ag & Turf.
Rosie Turner, Harrisburg Area Ymca, http://www.harrisburgymcaraces.com, +1 (717) 232-2068 17, [email protected]
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