Martinsville, Virginia

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The 2017 Martinsville Bulletin Half Marathon, 5K & Relay is Coming Soon

On March 25, 2017, Miles in Martinsville, under the auspices of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA, will conduct the 7th annual running of the Martinsville Half Marathon, 5K & Relay. This is the capstone event for their series of races throughout the year. Details can be found at www.milesinmartinsville.com.

The Martinsville race courses present a tough but fair challenge to joggers, walkers and competitive runners alike. The Half Marathon begins at the Martinsville-Henry County YMCA in uptown Martinsville. Runners then wind through scenic uptown Martinsville before entering the Uptown Connector Trail on their way to the community’s iconic Dick & Willie Passage rail trail. They will then run the entirety of the Dick & Willie before retracing their steps through uptown on their return to the finish line at the YMCA. The half marathon course is certified by USA Track & Field, the national governing Body for track & field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. 5K participants run and walk the streets of Uptown Martinsville. With only a few gentle hills, the course presents a fast track for competitive runners and a scenic tour of the area for all.

Dick Beardsley, author, motivational speaker and former elite marathoner spoke and competed at the 2015 Martinsville event. When asked about his impression of the Martinsville Half Marathon, he responded, "If you are looking for a really fun, well organized half marathon you can't go wrong with the Martinsville Half! It's a beautiful course through the woods with great support from the many wonderful volunteers, in my book it's a winner!"…a strong endorsement from the former winner of the London Marathon, the Napa Valley Marathon, and the Grandmas Marathon. Beardsley is a member of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.

This year’s race is expected to be bigger and better than before with several features added for runner and fan excitement. New for 2017 are the Inspiration Wall, Vendor EXPO and a pasta dinner for runners and friends alike.

INSPIRATION WALL is a program where participants are invited to choose to run or walk for a person, a cause, a memory, etc. Race marketing material poses the question, “What inspires you? There are so many reasons we run. Often we want to honor the life, the struggle or the memory of a friend or loved one. The dedication of our race can be very meaningful and motivating to each of us as runners. Moreover, it can mean so much to that person or family that we choose to honor with our own struggles to train for and run a 13.1 mile race.”

Participating runners will be issued a second bib to be pinned on the back of their shirt - reflecting their commitment and dedication. In addition, a large banner containing the names of runners and honorees will be displayed at the YMCA in the days leading up to race day. Runners are invited to search for their names and the dedication/cause for which they are running. We invite them to sign the INSPIRATION WALL as an affirmation to those who touch us all. There is no charge for runners choosing to participate.

The Vendor EXPO will have various local companies and organizations promoting health, wellness and quality of area community life. Display tables will be in the gym of the Martinsville YMCA on Friday March 24, from 12:00 N00N to 7:00 PM.

A PASTA DINNER will be offered to runners, walkers and fans. They can load up on pre-race carbohydrates on Friday March 24 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the gym of the Martinsville YMCA. There will be a nominal charge for the meal. Proceeds of the dinner benefits the Marlins Swim Team.

Race officials are expecting several hundred participants on race day. Runners and walkers are strongly urged to pre-register by visiting www.milesinmartinsville.com or the race link at www.martinsvillebulletin.com. Participants are also encouraged to pick up their packet containing race number and information on Friday March 24, 12:00 NOON - 7:00 PM.