2009 Spring Marathon & Long Distance Directory/Races Across the Southeast

RUNNING JOURNAL'S SEMI-ANNUAL MARATHON & LONG-DISTANCE DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST RACES

JAN. 3 - Mississippi Blues Marathon & Half Marathon - Jackson, MS

2nd Annual. 7am. Prize $ ($30,000 total). Challenging USATF certified course; hills in the first half, with a straight section between miles 13 and 18. Entry Limit: 3,000. 2008 entrants: 1,400+. Avg. temp. high 55F, low 35F.

Contact: Mississippi Blues Marathon, POB 24177, Jackson, MS 39225-4177, info@msbluesmarathon.com, www.msbluesmarathon.com

 

JAN. 3 - New Year's Resolution Half Marathon - Travelers Rest, SC

6th Annual. 9am/half marathon & 5K, 10am/FR. Half has moderate rolling hills; goes through Furman, by Green Valley Golf Course; start/finishes at the YMCA in Travelers Rest; USATF certified. Avg. temp. 50.

Contact: Cindy Kavanagh, POB 187, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, 864-834-2400, ckavanagh@ymcagreenville.org, www.ymcagreenville.org

 

JAN. 4 - DeLeon Springs Half Marathon - DeLeon Springs, FL

25th Annual. 8am. 5K. Pancake flat rural running; USATF certified. 2008 finishers: 170-half, 163-5K.

Contact: John Boyle, DLS, POB 1700, DeLand, FL 32721, 386-736-0002, www.altavistasports.com

 

JAN. 4 - The WALL-Louisiana RRCA 30K State Championship & 30K Relay - New Orleans (Destrehan), LA

30th Annual. 8am. 10K. Out-and-back along the Mississippi River Trace Pathway; USATF certified.

Contact: New Orleans Track Club, Race Dir.-Chuck George, POB 52003, New Orleans, LA 70152-2003, 504-467-8626, www.runNOTC.org

 

JAN. 8-11 - Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend - Lake Buena Vista, FL

16th Annual. 7am/5K (1/9); 6am/half marathon (1/10); 6am/marathon (1/11). 5K & Half closed for 2009. Run through all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks in the most magical 26.2 miles on earth; USATF certified. Avg. temp. 48.

Contact: EMMI, 1102 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803; 407-896-1160, www.disneyworldmarathon.com

 

JAN. 10 - Ocean Isle Bridge Run for Food Half Marathon - Ocean Isle Beach, NC

5th Annual. 9am. 5K. Course takes you over a high rise bridge with spectacular views of the Atlantic; USATF certified. 2008 entrants: 233. Avg. temp. 55-65º.

Contact: Tom Horan 910-579-5994, www.tomhoran@atmc.net, ww.active.com

 

JAN. 10 - Run to Read Half Marathon - Fairmont, WV

4th Annual. 12 Noon. Double out and back on two rail trails; the first trail is 4.5 miles long, paved, and goes through a tunnel; the second trail is 8.6 miles long and is run on crushed limestone. Time Limit: 4 hrs. 2008 entrants: 205 (186 finishers). Avg. temp. 40.

Contact: Jim Woolfitt, c/o Literacy Volunteers, 601 Locust Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554, 304-366-6055, run2read@yahoo.com, www.runningintheusa.com/r2rhm

 

JAN. 11 - BankTrust First Light Marathon & Half Marathon - Mobile, AL

8th Annual. 7:30am/Marathon, Half Marathon, 5-Person Relay & Wheelchair/RW div. 8am/1.2 mi. FR. Course will start near the riverfront, run westward through the heart of historic Mobile neighborhoods; USATF certified. Time Limit: 7 hrs. 2008 entrants: 1,500. Avg. temp. 55º.

Contact: Marty O'Malley, L'Arche Mobile, 151 S. Ann St., Mobile, AL 36604, 251-476-8732, firstlightmarathon@hotmail.com, www.firstlightmarathon.com

 

JAN. 11 - River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run Half Marathon & Relay - Alva, FL

6th Annual. 8am/Half Marathon & Relay, 8:15am/5K Fun Run. Half Marathon trail run over the beautiful and rugged trails of the Caloosahatchee Regional Park. Entry Limit: 300 for Half. Time Limit: 3 hrs. 2008 entrants: 250-half, 125-5K. Avg. temp. 70.

Contact: Steve Brookman, 130 Rockaway Rd., Lebanon, NJ 08833, 908-236-2122, racedirector@rrrtrail.com, http://RRRTrail.com

 

JAN. 17 - Auburn Classic Half Marathon - Auburn, AL

7:30am/RRCA 2009 Alabama Half Marathon State Championship. 10am/Children's Half. Prize $ ($200). Gently rolling, fast course on Auburn's scenic bike trails and paths; USATF.

Contact: Auburn Half Marathon, 1802 Ogletree Rd., Auburn, AL 36830, www.auburnrunning.org

 

JAN. 17 - The Wine Dog's "Run For The Paws" Half Marathon - Panama City, FL

Inaugural. 8am. 5K. Flat, fast, scenic loop - chip timed - winding roads on Gulf front Airforce Base; USATF. Entry Limit: 400 & 14 yrs of age as of race day. Avg. temp. 60s.

Contact: Terri Davidson, 103 West 23rd St., Ste. E-5, Panama City, FL 32405; 850-785-6835, run4thepaws@rock.com, www.myspace.com/run4thepaws

 

JAN. 17 - Pensacola Beach Half Marathon - Pensacola Beach, FL

4th Annual. 8am. 10K & 5K (Racewalk div.). Flat, scenic course along Pensacola Beach; USATF certified. 2008 finishers: 264-half, 260-10K Run (7/walk), 360-5K Run (68/walk). Avg. temp. 70.

Contact: Pensacola Runners Association, POB 10613, Pensacola, FL 32524, 850-476-7434, bunde@cox.net, www.pensacolarunners.com

 

JAN. 17 - Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon - Warner Robins, GA

13th Annual. 8am/Marathon & Half; 8:15am/5K Run/Walk. Run through the perimeter of Robins Air Force Base; USATF certified. Time Limit: 6 hr. 2008 entrants: 110. Avg. temp. 40-50º.

Contact: Caryl Deems 478-972-2609, caryldeems@windstream.net, www.robinspacers.org, www.museumofaviation.org

 

JAN. 18 - Naples Daily News 1/2 Marathon - Naples, FL

21st Annual. 7am. Prize $ ($19,000). Out-and-back, flat and fast USATF certified course. Time Limit: 2:45. 2008 entrants: 1,400. Avg temp. 60’s.

Contact: psilvrman@aol.com, www.napleshalfmarathon.net

 

JAN. 24 - Frostbite Half Marathon - Starkville, MS

24th Annual. 12:00 Noon. 13.1 miles of rolling hills in the country. Time Limit: 2:45:00. 2008 entrants: 305. Avg. temp. 40.

Contact: Elaine Schimpf, 400 Hospital Rd., Starkville, MS 39759, 662-323-9355, frostbite@och.org, www.och.org/frostbite

 

JAN. 25 - Key West Half Shell 1/2 Marathon - Key West, FL

11th Annual. 7am. Flat oceanfront loop of the island of Key West and historic landmarks; USATF certified. 2008 entrants: 800. Avg. temp. 75º.

Contact: Barbara Wright, 3029 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Unit 47, Key West, FL 33040, 305-296-7182, bwpromo2@bellsouth.net, www.keywestspecialevents.com

 

JAN. 25 - ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon - Miami, FL

7th Annual. 6:15am Marathon & Half marathon. 7:30am Tropical 5K on 1/24. Prize $ (tbd). A scenic flat and fast tour of Miami and Miami Beach; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 15,000. Time Limit: Half 3 1/2 hrs; Full 8 hr. 2008 entrants:13,000 (total). Avg. temp. 64ºF.

Contact: PR Racing, P.O. Box 56-1081, Miami, FL 33256, 305-278-8668, info@ingmiamimarathon.com, www.ingmiamimarathon.com

 

JAN. 25 - Florida Challenge Half Marathon - Tampa, FL

6th Annual. 8am/half, 8:30am/5K. Great single track running on beginner & intermediate mountain bike trails. Avg. temp. 70º.

Contact: Jim Hartnett, 4634-A N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33603, 813-232-5200, jim@tamparaces.com, www.tamparaces.com/challenge

 

JAN. 25 - Callaway Gardens Marathon & Half Marathon - Pine Mountain, GA

12th Annual. 7:50am/5K, 8am/Marathon & Half. Entire course is within the Callaway Gardens Resort. Spectacular Scenery! USATF certified. Time Limit: 5 1/2 hr. 2008 entrants: 595. Avg. temp. 45.

Contact: Dave Johnson Enterprises, 1930 Beaver Brook Ln., Marietta, GA 30062-2640, 770-565-5208, eventsdj@aol.com, www.callawaygardens.com

 

FEB. 1 - Tallahassee Marathon & Half Marathon - Tallahassee, FL

35th Annual. 7:30am. Prize $ ($7,500). Out and back from Florida State University (FSU) to the St. Marks Rails to Trails and returning to finish on the FSU track; surface nearly 100% asphalt with roughly 20 miles run on the Trail and remainder on streets between FSU and the Trail head. USATF certified. Entry Limit: 1,000. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 210-marathon, 338-half. Avg. temp.: 63F/high, 44F/low.

Contact: Jay Silvanima, 527 East Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850-264-0739, Tallahasseemarathon@gmail.com, www.tallahasseemarathon.com

 

 

FEB. 1 - New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K - New Orleans, LA

45th Annual. 7am. Start/finish in front of the Louisiana Superdome; run down Bourbon St. and on to beautiful tree lined St. Charles Ave. and around two beautiful parks; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 10,000. Avg. temp. 64 high, 42 low.

Contact: New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon, POB 609, Kenner, LA 70063, 888-485-2582, www.MardiGrasMarathon.com

 

FEB. 7 - Orlando Xtreme Half Marathon - Christmas, FL

5th Annual. 7:30am. 10K & 5K. One of the best off-road running half marathons in Florida and one of the most scenic anywhere! Entry Limit: 500.

Contact: Buttar Inc., 3901 Ibis Dr., Orlando, FL 32803, 888-281-0533, support@buttar.com, www.buttar.com/events/running/OrlandoXtreme/index.htm.

 

FEB. 7 - Hilton Head Half Marathon - Hilton Head Island, SC

7th Annual. 8:00am. 10K & 5K. Prize $ ($1,000). Scenic race through two parks and over Broad Creek; USATF certified. 2008 entrants: 750. Time Limit: 3 hrs. Avg. temp. 62.

Contact: Bear Foot Sports, 20 Towne Dr., PMB #200, Bluffton, SC 29910, 843-757-8520, bfs@hargray.com, www.bearfootsports.com

FEB. 8 - Melbourne & Beaches Music - Marathon & Half Marathon,
Melbourne, FL

Inaugural. 6:45am/marathon & half; USA Masters Half Marathon Championshhip; 7:15am/5K. Prize $ ($12,000 total). A very scenic route that includes four bridge crossings for the full and two for the half; USATF. Avg. temp. mid 50's.

Contact: Smoothing Running, POB 33100, Indialantic, FL 32903, www.themelbournemarathon.com

 

FEB 12-15 - BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon & Dasani Half Marathon - Myrtle Beach, SC

12th Annual. 2/13: 5:30pm/Family FR, 6:15pm/5K. 2/14: 6:30am/Marathon & Half Marathon; 6:25am/Marathon wheelchair div. 2/15: 7:30am/Michelob Ultra Bicycle Rides, 10, 30 & 63 Miles. Flat, loop, city streets; USATF certified. Half Marathon is part of the Running Journal Grand Prix. 2008 entrants: 2,400-marathon, 3,400-half, 1,000-5K Avg. temp. 61ºF.

Contact: Myrtle Beach Marathon, Mike Shank, POB 8780, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578, 843-293-RACE, mbmarathon1@sc.rr.com, www.mbmarathon.com

 

FEB. 14 - Run the Reagan Half Marathon - Snellville, GA

14th Annual. 8am/half, 8:15am/10K, 10am/5K, 9:30am/1 mi. FR. Priz $ ($550). Out and back course entirely on the Ronald Reagan Parkway. Time Limit: 3.5 hrs. (half). 2008 entrants: 2,500+. Åvg. temp. 46º.

Contact: Run the Reagan, c/o Racing Solutions, POB 468206, Atlanta, GA 31146-9998, Skip Breeser 770-518-8002, info@runthereagan.com, www.runthereagan.com

 

FEB. 14 - Strawberry Plains Half Marathon - Strawberry Plains, TN 21st Annual. 9am. 10K.

Rural, rolling, scenic as it runs through Holston River Valley; USATF certified. Time Limit: 3 hrs. 2008 entrants: 500. Avg. temp. 40.

Contact: Betty Schohl, POB 52266, Knoxville, TN 37950, 865-687-8493, info@ktc.org, www.ktc.org

 

FEB. 14 - Cedars Frostbite Half Marathon - Lebanon, TN

2nd Annual. 11am. 2009 Tennessee Half Marathon State Championship. One loop course with start and finish at Assembly Hall.

Contact: Lynda de Paulis, Frostbite Running Club, 205 Woodland Ct., Hermitage, TN 37076, 615-390-6977, Lntdp@earthlink.net, www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/RunningTour/

 

FEB. 15 - Mercedes Marathon & Half Marathon - Birmingham, AL

8th Annual. 2/15: 7am/Marathon, Relay & Half marathon; 2/14: 5K, Mercedes Kids Marathon. Prize $: $15K+. New, faster course; all downtown double loop; USATF certified. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 9,000. Avg. temp. 45º.

Contact: Jill Edwards 205-870-7771, info@mercedesmarathon.com, www.mercedesmarathon.com

 

FEB. 15 - 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer - Jacksonville Beach, FL

2nd Annual. 7:30am/Marathon & Half Marathon. Prize $ ($65,000 total). Race begins near Mayo Clinic Campus and follows through beach communities of Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach; USATF certified. Time Limit: 7 hrs. 2008 entrants: 7,000.

Contact: Susie Slappey, 2103 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207, 904-355-7465, info@breastcancermarathon.com, www.breastcancermarathon.com

 

FEB. 15 - Pensacola Marathon & Half Marathon - Pensacola, FL

5th Annual. 6:30am; Wheelchair div. both events. Changes to both courses are underway for 2009; USATF certified. Time Limit: Marathon 6 hr.; Half 3 hr. Avg. temp. 55º.

Contact: Pensacola Marathon, 3012 E. Government St., Pensacola, FL 32503, 850-435-9222, www.pensacolamarathon.com

 

FEB. 15 - ABC 7 Sarasota Grouper Marathon & Half Marathon - Sarasota, FL

4th Annual. 6am Marathon & Half on 2/15: 5K on 2/14. Scenic course beginning and ending at the Ringling Museum through neighborhoods, parks and beaches featuring spectacular views of Sarasota bay; USATF. Entry Limit: 3,000. Time Limit: Full-6 1/2 hrs., Half-4 hrs. 2008 entrants: 3,000. Avg. temp. 63ºF.

Contact: Lisette Riveron, POB 50451, Sarasota, FL 34232-0303 941-312-4955, info@sarasotamarathon.com, www.sarasotamarathon.com

 

FEB. 21-22 - Five Points of Life Race Weekend - Gainesville, FL

4th Annual. 2/21: 8am/Kids, 9am/5K. 2/22: 7am/Marathon & Half. Prize $ ($5,000). Mostly flat with some hills; winds through all parts of Gainesville including University of Florida campus; USATF certified. Time Limit: 5 hrs. 2008 entrants: 1,275-marathon/half, 450-5K, 550-kids. Avg. temp. 68ºF/44ºF.

Contact: Brite Whitaker, 4039 Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32607, 352-224-1728, bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org, www.fivepointsoflife.com

FEB. 22 - Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

4th Annual. 6am. The A1A marathon takes a most classic look at Fort Lauderdale’s beach front community as you set off down the almost zero elevation route; USATF certified. Avg. Temp. high 77F, low 60F.

Contact: Exclusive Sports Marketing, Inc. 561-241-3801, www.A1Amarathon.com, www.active.com

 

FEB. 22 - Anheuser-Busch Colonial Half Marathon - Williamsburg, VA

30th Annual. 1pm/half-marathon, 1:10pm/5K Run. Prize $ ($2,000). Out-and-back with a loop, Carter Grove Country Road/Kingsmill; start on William & Mary Campus; finish inside William & Mary Hall; USATF certified. Avg. temp. 40s to 60s (avg. being 50s).

Contact: Colonial Half Marathon, POB 399, Williamsburg, VA 23187, Rick Platt 757-229-7375, rickplatt@juno.com, William & Mary Special Events 757-221-1599, www.tribeclub.com

 

FEB. 28-MARCH 1 - Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend - Marathon, Relay, & Half Marathon - Tampa, FL

32nd Annual. 2/28: 7:30am, 15K; 9:30am, 5K. 3/1: 6am, Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay. Prize $ (Marathon: $12,000-Florida only). Course starts in downtown Tampa; flat, fast, waterfront course showcasing many of Tampa’s most beautiful historic neighborhoods. Boston Qualifier. 2008 entrants: 18,000 (total). Avg. temp. 62ºF.

Contact: Susan Harmeling, POB 1881, Tampa, FL 33601, 813-254-7866, gdcarun@verizon.net, www.tampabayrun.com

 

MARCH 1 - Seaside Half Marathon - Seaside, FL

7th Annual. 7am. 5K Run. Out-and back, fast and mostly flat; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 2,000-half, 750-5K. 2008 entrants: 2,800+. Avg. temp. 64º.

Contact: Seaside Half Marathon, POB 4825, Seaside, FL 32459-4825, 850-231-6190, www.seasidehalfmarathon.com

 

MARCH 1 - Alpharetta Half Marathon - Alpharetta, GA

3rd Annual. 7am. 10K (New for 2009). Run through some of the finest scenery in all of North Fulton County; USATF certified. Time Limit: 3.5 hrs. Avg. temp. High 60F, Low 38F.

Contact: Bill Burke, Premier Event Management, 1525A River Oaks Rd. East, Harahan, LA 70123, 504-454-6561, bb@pem-usa.com, www.alpharettamarathon.com, www.active.com

 

MARCH 1 - Whitestone 30K - Paint Rock, TN

8th Annual. 8:30am EST. Team Relay (3 legs). Scenic, rural, rolling; USATF certified. Time Limit: 4 hrs. 2008 entrants: 160. Avg. temp. 40s.

Contact: Betty Schohl, POB 52266, Knoxville, TN 37950, 865-687-8493, info@ktc.org, www.ktc.org

 

MARCH 7 - Snickers® Marathon® Energy Bar Marathon & Half Marathon - Albany, GA

3rd Annual. 7am. Prize $ ($12,500 total). Community friendly race covering many of Albany's top attractions; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 2,000. Time Limit: 7 hrs. 2008 entrants: 1,059. Avg. temp. 72º/45º.

Contact: Albany Marathon, Inc., Lisa Riddle, 112 N. Front St., Albany, GA 31701, 229-317-4760, lriddle@albanyga.com, www.snickersmarathonenergybarmarathon.com

 

MARCH 7 - Berry Half Marathon - Rome, GA

2nd Annual. 8am. 5K & 10K. Prize $. Relatively flat, fast half marathon course with a few rolling, moderate hills on largest college campus in the world; no public roads; USATF. Time Limit: 4 hrs. Avg. temp. High 64, Low 38.

Contact: Allison Hunter 706-346-6223, berryhalf@gmail.com, www.berryhalfmarathon.com

 

MARCH 7-8 - Disney's Princess 1/2 Marathon - Walt Disney World Resort, FL

Inaugural. 3/7: 5K, 7am, Kid's Races, 8:30am. 3/8: 6:30am/Half marathon & 2-Person Team. Course includes the Richard Petty Speedway, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney-Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.

Contact: www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com

 

MARCH 8 - Lower Potomac River Marathon - Piney Point, MD

5th Annual. 7:15am. Prize $ ($1,200). Mostly flat, scenic out-and-back on riverfront roads and a rural highway; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 200. Time Limit: 5:45. 2008 entrants: 175. Avg. temp. 53F.

Contact: Liza Recto, 48263 Hillside Dr., Lexington Park, MD 20653, 301-863-8431, cbrcliza@hotmail.com, www.cbrcmd.org

 

MARCH 14 - Land Between the Lakes Trail Runs - 23K, Marathon, 60K & 50 Mile - Grand Rivers, KY

6th Annual. 6am. Mostly single track 11.3 mi. loop with a few short challenging hills offering spectacular views of Kentucky & Barkley Lakes. Entry Limit: 400 (all events included). Time Limit: 11 hrs. (any event). Avg. temp. low 40s-low 70s.

Contact: Steve Durbin 314-378-7488, sdurbin@marquettetrans.com, www.wkrc.org

 

MARCH 14 - Gupton Dodge Tom King Half Marathon - Nashville, TN

15th Annual. 7:30am/5K Run/Walk, 8:15am/Healthy Nashville Mayor’s 3K walk, 8:30am/half-marathon. Prize $ ($4,500). Relatively flat course begins at LP Field/Titan Stadium to Shelby Park and loop along Shelby Bottoms Greenway before exciting finish inside stadium on the 50-yd. line; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 1,500 in 1/2 marathon. Time Limit: Course open until 11:30am (8am early start for 3 to 3 1/4 hr. finishers). 2008 entrants: 1,300-half, 600-5K. Avg. temp. 53.

Contact: Peter Pressman, c/o Nashville Striders, 4035 Trail Ridge Dr., Franklin, TN 37067, 615-293-8862, pasta4run@aol.com, www.tomkingclassic.com

 

MARCH 15 - Little Rock Marathon - Little Rock, AR

7th Annual. 8am (6am early start for athletes needing more than 6 hrs). Half Marathon, 4-Person Marathon Relay, 5K, Little Rockers Kids Marathon & Classic Rockers. Prize $ (Marathon). An amazing tour of Little Rock’s historic sites on foot. Time Limit: Marathon-8 hrs., Half-4 hrs. Avg. temp. 52º.

Contact: Geneva Hampton, 500 W. Markham, Room 108, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-371-4639, ghampton@littlerock.org, www.littlerockmarathon.com

 

MARCH 15 - Germantown Half Marathon - Germantown, TN

11th Annual. 7:30am. 5K. Wheelchair div. Prize $ ($6,400/half). Flat to rolling through neighborhoods and parks; USATF certified. Half Marathon is part of the Running Journal Grand Prix. Avg. temp. 50.

Contact: G'town Runs, 7449 S. Germantown Sq., Germantown, TN 38138, 901-652-4907, slorun340@mac.com, www.germantownhalfmarathon.com

 

MARCH 21-22 - Yuengling Shamrock Marathon & Half Marathon - Virginia Beach, VA

37th Annual. 3/21: 8am/8K & 10:30am/Operation Smile Final Mile. 3/22: 7am/half marathon run/walk, 8am/marathon run/walk. Prize $ ($25,000). Flat, fast, scenic course finishing at the beautiful Virginia Beach Oceanfront; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 7,500-half (only limit). Time Limit: 7 hrs. for marathon. 2008 entrants: 18,800 (all races). Avg. temp. 60º.

Contact: Amy Frostick, 2865 Lynnhaven Dr., Ste. C-5, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, 757-412-1056, amy@shamrockmarathon.com, www.shamrockmarathon.com

 

MARCH 21 - Wirefly National Marathon - Washington, DC

4th Annual. 7am. Corporate Challenge. Prize $. Fast route that highlights both the iconic depth of our nations capital mixed with emergence of new and established neighborhoods; USATF certified. Time Limit: Marathon-6 hr., Half-3 hr. Entry Limit: 5,000. Avg. temp. 45º.

Contact: Wirefly National Marathon, 1725 I Street, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005; 866-RUN-0262, www.nationalmarathon.com

 

MARCH 28 - Total Fitness Connection’s Run & Walk for Children - Bowling Green, KY

11th Annual. 8am. Half marathon, 5K Run/Walk, Pump & Run, 1 Mile Children’s Race. Mostly flat with some gently rolling sections, beautiful country with horse farms along the way. Time Limit 3 hrs. 2008 entrants: 750. Avg.

Contact: Nickie Jones, 441 Church Ave., Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270-781-6714, fecbg@bellsouth.net, www.familyenrichmentcenter.com

 

MARCH 28 - Ellerbe Springs Marathon - Ellerbe, NC

18th Annual. 8am. A loop course starting and finishing near the Ellerbe Springs Inn; first 1/4 mi. & last 1/4 mi. are gravel; everything else is paved rural and hilly. USATF. Entry Limit: 200. 2008 finishers: 127. Avg. temp. High 67, Low 44.

Contact: Fred Dummar, 532 Blackbird Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28314, 910-764-1685, fcdoom@aol.com, www.mangumtc.org

 

MARCH 29 - ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon - Atlanta, GA

3rd Annual. 7am. 5K, 9am & Kids FR, 10am on 3/28. The staging area of the start and finish is Underground Atlanta in the heart of downtown Atlanta; true showcase of historic Atlanta, beautiful Decatur and all of the neighborhoods in between; USATF certified. Time Limit: Marathon 7 hrs. Avg. temp. Low 40s, High 60s.

Contact: ING Georgia Marathon, POB 33707, Decatur, GA 30033-0707, 678-620-3317, www.inggeorgiamarathon.com

 

MARCH 29 - Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon - Knoxville, TN

5th Annual. 7am. Half Marathon, 4-Person Relay, 5K, Kids 1.2 Mile. Prize $ ($10,000). Beautiful course through scenic downtown Knoxville, campus, riverfront, greenway, with dramatic finish in Neyland Stadium at University of TN; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 5,000. Time Limit: 7 hrs. 2008 entrants: 600-marathon, 4,600-total. Avg. temp. low 46, high 63.

Contact: Jason Altman, POB 32035, Knoxville, TN 37930, 865-684-4294, info@knoxvillemarathon.com, www.knoxvillemarathon.com

 

MARCH 29 - Virginia Creeper Marathon - Abingdon, VA

11th Annual. 8am. First two miles on road, rest on former railroad bed; out-and-back segments with some repetition; soft surface, flat to gentle grade; trestles and scenic views. Entry Limit: 100. 2008 finishers: 107. Avg. temp. low 35/high 60.

Contact: Frank Kibler, c/o SFTC, POB 6427, Kingsport, TN 37663, 423-292-9980, runfrankrun@hotmail.com, www.runtricities.org/creepermarathon

 

APRIL 5 - Hogeye Marathon & Relays, Half Marathon - Fayetteville, AR

33rd Annual. 7:30am. 2 & 4 Person Relays, 5K Run/Walk, Kids Run. Out-and-back courses with a few challenging hills allows participants to enjoy scenic Fayetteville; USATF certified. Avg. temp. 55º.

Contact: Tabby Holmes, POB 8012, Fayetteville, AR 72703, 479-445-9251, info@hogeyemarathon.com, www.hogeyemarathon.com

 

APRIL 18 - Charlotte RaceFest @ South Park Half Marathon - Charlotte, NC

8th Annual. 8am. 10K. Prize $. Rolling course through some of Charlotte’s most scenic neighborhoods; USATF certified. 10K is part of the Running Journal Grand Prix. 2008 entrants: nearly 2,000. Avg. temp. 75º.

Contact: Charlotte Running Co., 1412 East Blvd., Ste. G, Charlotte, NC 28203, 704-377-8786, rmsevents@aol.com, charlotterunning@bellsouth.net, www.charlotteracefest.com

 

APRIL 18 - Andrew Jackson Marathon & Half Marathon - Jackson, TN

37th Annual. 7am/marathon, 7:30am/half, 8am/5K Run/Walk. Moderately rolling hills; Boston Qualifer; USATF certified. Time Limit: Marathon-6hrs. (no walkers), Half-5 1/2 hrs. (walkers permitted)

Contact: Bicentennial XC-AJ Marathon, POB 33, Jackson, TN 38302, 731-668-4000 (ext. 21), www.andrewjacksonmarathon.com

 

APRIL 18 - Charlottesville Marathon & Half Marathon - Charlottesville, VA

7th Annual. 6:30am. "Considered by many as the most scenic race in the East; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 3,500 (both events combined). Time Limit: 6.5 hrs. Avg. temp. 61º.

Contact: Gill, RD, Charlottesville Running Company, 110 Old Preston Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22902, 434-293-7115, info@charlottesvillemarathon.com, www.charlottesvillemarathon.com

 

APRIL 25 - Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, miniMarathon & Relays - Louisville, KY

36th Annual miniMarathon, 8th for Marathon. 7:30am. 7:25am/Wheelchair. Prize $. Course runs through beautiful parks, eclectic neighborhoods, through legendary Churchhill Downs racetrack and finishes in the heart of downtown Louisville; USATF certified. 2008 entrants: 12,000+. Avg. temp. low 50, high 70.

Contact: Kentucky Derby Festival, 1001 S. Third St., Louisville, KY 40203, 502-584-6383, 1-800-928-3378, minimarathon@kdf.org, www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com

 

APRIL 25 - Country Music Marathon & Half Marathon - Nashville, TN

10th Anniversary. 7am, 6:45am/wheelchair. Kids’ Marathon on 4/24. Beautiful course, for both races, which highlights all of Nashville including downtown, Music Row, Belmont University and Shelby Park; USATF certified. temp. 60s.

Contact: Elite Racing, Inc., 9401 Waples St., Ste. 150, San Diego, CA 92121, 800-311-1255, cmm@eliteracing.com, www.cmmarathon.com

 

MAY 2-3 - CareFirst Frederick Running Festival - Frederick, MD

7th Annual. 6:30am. Marathon, Half Marathon, 4-Person Relay, Kids' Fun Run & 5K. Course fair but challenging; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 7,000. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 5,500. Avg. temp. 60º.

Contact: Chris Tomlinson, 6610 Amberton Dr., Suite 400, Elkridge, MD 21075, 410-605-9381, chris@corrigansports.com, www.frederickmarathon.org

 

MAY 3 - Potomac River Run Marathon & Half Marathon - Alexandria, VA

6th Annual. 7am (options 6:00-6:45am go-as-you-please non-competitive early-bird start). Prize $ ($2,000). Out and back on historic, scenic National Park Trail; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 300. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 911. Avg. temp. 55F.

Contact: Jay Jacob Wind 703-505-3567, racedirector@att.net, www.pvtc.org/marathon

 

MAY 16 - Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon & Half Marathon - Summerville, GA

5th Annual. 9am. 90% trail and forest service road, very hilly tough course. Entry Limit: 175 marathon, 175 half. 2008 entrants: 350. Avg. temp. 70-90.

Contact: Becky Finger, 2710 Beavers Rd., Summerville, GA 30747, 706-862-2553, beckyworld@windstream.net, www.rungeorgiatrails.com

 

MAY 24 - Wickham Park Marathon, 50, 100 & 200 Mile Fun Runs - Melbourne, FL

15th Annual. 7:30am. Staged 50 miles per day for 4 days on a 3.75 mile trail loop, poorly marked, soft sand, mud, bushwacking, snakes, gators. No fee, no aid, no awards, no wimps. Avg. temp. 90F with oppressive humidity.

Contact: Matt Mahoney, 415 Rutgers Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901, matmahoney@yahoo.com, www.mattmahoney.net/wickham/

 

JUNE 6 - Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon - Morgantown, WV

9th Annual. 9am. Scenic trail course, mostly downhill. 2008 entrants: 300.

Contact: Ella Belling, Mon River Trails Conservancy, POB 282, Morgantown, WV 26507, Ella Belling 304-296-6185, ella@montrails.org, www.montrails.org

 

JUNE 13 - Hatfield-McCoy Marathon & Half Marathon - Goody, KY

10th Annual. 7am. Kids mini marathon. One major hill between 6 & 7 mile marker; rest of course is flat to rolling. 2008 entrants: 428. Avg. temp. 85º.

Contact: Tug Valley Road Runners Club, POB 321, Hardy, KY 41531 (David Hatfield, President), 606-625-5092, tvrrc@hotmail.com, www.hatfieldmccoymarathon.com