Notes about the 47th Rocket City Marathon and other events scheduled this weekend at the Von Braun Center:
The finish line banner lay on the cold concrete, awaiting scaffolding and zip ties, Thursday afternoon in the VBC South Hall as final preparations began for race weekend.
A few sponsor booths were set up. Another was being assembled. The RCM Store, with all the logoed swag, was being unpacked. Suzanne Swift and her small army were unpacking, assembling and arranging the big Fleet Feet footprint. With the chilly weather on the way, their coffee and cocoa bar will be popular.
A year of planning is coming to a close for the race and events. More than 1,500 volunteers have helped or are helping. Some of the setup is more streamlined than last year. The bib and shirt-swag pickup, which begins Friday, for example, should move along more smoothly this year thanks to a few subtle tweaks.
The finish line banner and scaffolding was completed by Thursday night. By Friday night, any last touches will be done. Power cords will be run, taped and checked, among other things, including to the finish line clock. Saturday morning brings the 10K, 5K and Kids Marathon Mile events, with a full day of bib pickup and expo. Then, Saturday night, it all will disappear before Sunday’s Rocket City Marathon and “back half-marathon” that end in the VBC.
How Many Runners?
RCM weekend includes the marathon, front- and back-half marathons, team relay (in the marathon), 10K, 5K and Kids Marathon Mile.
The last three races are Saturday morning, and the longer ones are on Sunday. In the half-marathons, runners can choose to do the front half or back half. The front crew leaves from the VBC and ends at Campus 805, while the back-half runners leave from UAH and end at the VBC South Hall with the marathon runners.
How many in all? Race co-director Dana Debardelaben said 3,263 total from 48 states and four countries. That includes 225 for the kids’ mile. Take those out and it’s 3,088 for the marathon, relay, two halves, 10K and 5K.
More runners could sign up Friday or Saturday at bib pickup at the VBC, too, so the final total likely will increase a smidge.
Sweet Swag
Runners have different color shirts for each race, from the Mural 5K to Rocket City Marathon. Instead of one color and logo design, race co-directors Dana and Dewayne Debardelaben along with the race committee decided on multiples.
Runners who register for and complete any two events, including the 10K and 5K, will receive a special challenge gift. Runners who register for and complete three events will receive the challenge gift and a special Hat Trick bucket hat.
Front-half marathon finishers will enjoy a buffet spread provided by Hops ‘n Guac at Campus 805, where the 13.1-mile toodle ends. Runners in the back-half marathon, which starts at UAH, will end at the VBC South Hall and have a spread including Marco’s pizza, fruit and more.
More Sweet Swag
Runners and volunteers will get a cool gift at bib pickup: a 31.75-ounce resealable bag of plant-based Ka’Chava Superfood powder.
OK, quit screwing up your face and thinking that way. As most smart adults tell their young children about eating, “Don’t knock it until you try it.” I’m a diehard carnivore but like trying new things, including plant-based products and vegan dishes. Some of my favorite vegan dishes are at The Curry, a year-old Indian restaurant on Andrew Jackson Way. If you haven’t been, give it a whirl.
As for superfood and protein powders, I’ve tried a bunch including whey protein, pea-protein and “super greens.” Some are quite good, some are mediocre and some could be used for caulk.
I’m happy to report that the Ka’Chava Superfood falls into the first “quite good” category. Upon opening the bag, it has a pleasant vanilla aroma. Ka’Chava also comes in a chocolate flavor. My wife and I tried the recommended amount — two scoops with 14 ounces of cold water. I mixed two shaker bottles and shook like Charo in a paint mixer for a minute to get it all mixed. She and I aren’t “sip and guess” folks, either. We took a big gulp and … declared it tasty. A nice 240-calorie meal replacement, should you want to do that, with 25 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and more.
“It has sugar in it,” she said after the second swig. “Nothing like this tastes good without some sugar.”
She was right, as Ka’Chava has 6 grams of sugar. But I’ll trade that bit for the blends of plant-based protein, omega and fiber, antioxidants and fruits, adaptogens, super greens and veggies, probiotic/prebiotic, and digestive enzymes. It has 55 ingredients including tree nuts; if you have allergies, check the list. It also is vegan, gluten-free, and has no soy, dairy, artificial anythings or preservatives.
Yes, I know you may be thinking “Geez, if it takes 55 things to make it taste good …” and I’ve said that before, too. But it doesn’t have 55 ingredients simply to make it taste good. It has them because they’re good for you, and the Ka’Chava folks figured out how to make it taste good. Ka’Chava is pretty darn good. I’m looking forward to adding this to my diet. Give it a try.
Race Weekend Parking
Parking stinks in downtown Huntsville and there’s no other good way to put it. Many private lots that once were accomodating now charge fees. Construction on some streets may throw a curveball.
If you’re coming to the VBC to run or cheer on someone, take note of these parking possibilities on the map.
Be prepared to walk a bit unless you park in the decks near the VBC, such as Garage M or B on the map. Sunday’s forecast is calling for rain and wind, too, so prepare accordingly.
Weather Forecast (Yuck!)
Well, things went from nasty to yucky in just one day as Wednesday’s forecast got worse for the weekend.
Sorry, 5K and 10K runners but your Saturday jaunts could well be splashy ones. According to WAFF-48 meterologist Jeff Desnoyers, clouds moving in Friday will likely bring rain through Sunday morning.
In fact, Saturday’s forecast, as of Thursday evening, says: “A 48 First Alert Weather Day for Saturday. Rain, thunderstorms and strong winds possible. Early morning showers will increase to a steady rain and thunderstorms during the afternoon and night. Rain will be heavy at times. A few thunderstorms may be strong with enhanced winds and rain. Low end chance for a spin up tornado. Temps Saturday in the 60s.”
Sooooo … this could mean the marathon and half-marathon runners catch a break from the rain but may battle wet roads, windy conditions and colder temps. Be sure to stay updated on the weather throughout the weekend.
The Huntsville Sports Commission, along with many others, sponsor the 2023 Rocket City Marathon. The Huntsville Track Club facilitates the event.
