Registrations have hit record numbers for this weekend’s 49th annual Rocket City Marathon, affiliated races and runner’s expo at the Von Braun Center South Hall.
As of Wednesday, more than 5,470 were registered for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile races. The half, 10K and 5K are sold out. The race expo has at least 42 vendors, also a record.
“Last year we had 4,000 registered and as of (Dec. 9) we have 5,468,” said Rhonda Hayden with Kinda Gritty Signature Event Planning, which supervises logistics for marathon weekend. “We have seen tremendous growth in the expo in a market where this seems to be declining for mid-size races.”
Runners from 48 states are registered, also a record, and the event has a new logo. The weekend generates about $4 million in economic impact and $350,000 in direct tax revenue, according to the Huntsville Sports Commission. The race weekend is put on by the Huntsville Track Club.
The Race is On
Marathon and half marathon runners will have new courses this year after a review and revamp during the summer.
Race director Eric Fritz, past president of the Huntsville Track Club, solicited feedback from handful of area veteran runners. The marathon course has changed routes several times in its 48 years. It originally began atop Monte Sano and came downhill to route through parts of the city. Later, for years, it took runners along the super-flat Bailey Cove Road in south Huntsville.
Also new this year is the elimination of the Front Half Marathon. Runners in it finished at Campus 805 and then were shuttled to the VBC or made their own way. But they missed the Space & Rocket Center, Botanical Garden and official RCM finish line at the VBC. The Back Half Marathon runners who joined the marathoners halfway enjoyed those scenic treats.
This year, there’s one half marathon that begins near and finishes in the VBC. The course map is located below. Logistically, it’s much easier and a more cool finish for the runners, too.
I’m Gonna Run to You
Family and friends can wait for free at the expo on both race days to see the finish line and meet the runners.
Parking will be available around the VBC. Be aware of police directing traffic or street closures. Runners will be departing from and returning to the VBC for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-mile and kid’s fun run (on Saturday, too).
Seating and tables will be available near the finish line in the food area.
My My My Boogie Shoes
Old running shoes with a bit of life in them can be donated this weekend at the expo through EcoSneakers.
EcoSneakers is an Atlanta-based non profit started by a runner. EcoSneakers will take your old shoes, clean/repair them, and donate to someone in need.
If your shoes are unsalvageable, EcoSneakers will repurpose them, too. Whatever can be used will be recycled into “grind” for into stuffed animals, beanbags, dog beds, stadium seats or other products. This saves the shoes from the landfill.
Marathon Weather?
That’s a Cold Shot, Baby
The Accuweather.com weekend forecast for Huntsville as of Wednesday evening:
Friday: high 61, low 32 with sun and clouds moving in
Saturday: 56, 28, cloudy and a good chance of rain
Sunday: 36, 13, clear and very cold
And the forecast from WAFF-48 meteorologist Jeff Desnoyers:
— Friday, mostly sunny and nice. A warmer day with temps in the 50s to near 60 degrees. Friday night, clear and not as cold with a low temp around 40 degrees.
— Saturday, increasing clouds and mild. High temps in the 50s to near 60 degrees. Saturday night, scattered showers with the passage of an arctic cold front. Low temps in the mid 30s.
— Sunday, big change with temps holding in the mid-30s all day with gusty winds, especially in the morning. A dry day with a mix of sun and clouds.
