One of Run Chattanooga's favorite places to run is on the trails of Raccoon Mountain. So why wouldn't the group's first official race event be there?
The Raccoon Mountain Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Race is the fun-loving running club's first foray into the racing scene, says Run Chattanooga co-organizer Bill Bird. While the group, helmed by he and his wife, Courtney Bird, has held free smaller races and flash-mob events, this will be the first of several larger races aimed to help push runners to the next step. The race will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2015.
"We wanted to bring a marathon in that shows you that you can have the best of both worlds, road running and trail running," says Bird. "We hope this race introduces people to the world of trail running and longer distances."
Run Chattanooga holds multiple weekly running groups, helping local runners keep on their training all while maintaining a fun and encouraging atmosphere. This race will be an extension of the club's presence and be the beginning of a new race series hosted by Run Chattanooga.
While the marathon is geared toward any runner, Bird says this will be the first half marathon or marathon for many of the registered runners. "That's what we're trying to do all the time, is take something difficult and make it fun and accessible," Bird says. "We'll have themed aid stations and fun surprises along the way and little things to help the runners."
The marathon and half marathon are a pretty even 50/50 split between the roads and trails, Bird says. "For example, you'd run about 3 miles on the road, and then 3 miles on the trails, and over and over again," Bird describes. "And if you're not as comfortable on the trails? You can walk. We've got a 8-hour cutoff time, so it's really good for everyone."
Proceeds from the race will benefit Run Chattanooga and go toward future events, Bird says.