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Historic Columbia, South Carolina’s State Capitol, is a historic city in the middle of the Carolina’s. It also has a rich running tradition having hosted the US Women’s Olympic Trials Marathon back in 2000. But the precursor to that successful event, The Carolina Marathon and 10K dropped off the map and the running community has had a huge void in that February time frame.
February 27, 2010 will be the start of a new tradition in Columbia – the Columbia Half Marathon. Part of the nationwide USRA Half Marathon Series (USRARaceSeries.com), the Columbia Half Marathon will showcase parts of the Women’s Olympic Trials Marathon course through the downtown, rolling, tradition rich streets of the State Capitol. Founding sponsors of the inaugural event include The State Newspaper, WLTX-TV (CBS) and Citadel Radio Broadcast Group.
The Columbia Half Marathon will kick off the racing season February 27 as one of the Southeast’s top Half Marathons of the season with traditionally cool and ideal conditions awaiting participants. Each USRA Half Marathon Series event lives up to is motto of “Where the Runner Comes First” and Columbia will be no exception. The 2-day event kicks off on Friday, February 26 from 11am – 7pm with a Runner’s/Health & Fitness Expo . A “fun, festive atmosphere will greet all participants throughout the event welcoming all abilities and ages with walkers, strolers and head phones welcome with runners vying for the nearly 150 awards!
All Columbia Half Marathon participants will receive a high-quality “tech” shirts with a quality medal presented to all finishers. An attractive race shirts will go to all 5K and Fun Run participants. There will also be a “Corporate Cup” division based upon company participation in three separate divisions by company size. There will also be a “Fort Jackson Cup” competition for participation by unit. Participants will be inspired by music throughout the course and a “Live Band” performing at the finish line party.
The Columbia Half Marathon will be the kickoff event of the 2010 nationwide “USRA Half Marathon Series“ targeting mid-sized markets. At least 11 cities are already committed and organizers anticipate as many as 15 or more will make up the 2010 Tour. Other USRA Series event at this time include Walmart Bentonville AR Half Marathon (March 13); Lexington KY (March 28), Mt Pleasant WI (Racine) (April 10), Council Bluffs IA (May 23), Worcester MA (June 6), Morgantown WV (September 26), Joplin MO (October 10), Purdue (West Lafayette IN) (October 24), Lancaster PA (October 31) and Clarksville TN (November 6).
As with all USRA Half Marathon Series events, event organizers will be rolling out the “red carpet”, so don’t delay in registering and telling your friends and fellow runners and walkers about the inaugural Columbia Half Marathon February 27, 2010 - “Where the Runner Comes First”!
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