Fall Marathon & Long Distance Directory -- Races in the Southeast

JULY 11 - Grandfather Mountain Marathon - Boone, NC

42nd Annual. 7am/marathon. Grizzly Metric Century Bike Race, 8am (7/19). The Bear 5 Mile Road Race, 7pm (7/9). Starts at an elevation of 3,333 ft. and climbs to 4,279 ft. where it ends on Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC; mountainous and very scenic as it winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains; run predominately on asphalt (3 miles of course on gravel); race will finish during the Scottish Highland Games; crowds of up to 10,000+ will see the finish. Entry Limit: 475. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 finishers: 351. Avg. temp. 60 start, 70-75 finish.

Contact: John Weaver 828-262-3074, weaverjt@appstate.edu, www.hopeformarrow.org/gmminfo.htm.

*****
AUG. 15 - Lynchburg Half Marathon - Lynchburg, VA

9th Annual. 7:30am/half, 8am/5K. Flat and fast course, out and back on shaded scenic Blackwater Creek bikepath. 2008 finishers: 162-half, 152-5K. Avg. temp. 73ºF.

Contact: Riverside Runners, 2301 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503, 434-846-7449, www.riversiderunners.com.

*****
AUG. 22 - Parkersburg News & Sentinel Half Marathon - Parkersburg, WV

23rd Annual. 8am/half, 8:05am/2-Mile Race. Tiny Tot Trot & Junior Race 1pm (8/21). Prize $ ($30,000 approx.). Rolling hills with several scenic views and downhill finish; USATF. Time Limit: 4 hrs. 2008 entrants: 900-half, 250-2 mi. Avg. temp. 75-80ºF.

Contact: Melissa Decker, 519 Juliana St., Parkersburg, WV 26101, 304-485-1891 (ext. 459), halfmarathon@newsandsentinel.com, www.NewsandSentinel.com/halfmarathon.

*****
SEPT. 5 - Charleston Distance Run 15-Miler - Charleston, WV

37th Annual. 7:30am. 5K Run, 3 Person 15-Mile Relay, 10K & 5K Walks. Prize $ ($15,500). 15 miles through city streets, residential neighborhoods, riverfront, state capitol grounds, 5 miles of significant hills, 10 miles flat. 2008 entrants: 1,400 (approx.). Avg. temp. 72º.

Contact: Gary Smith, 170 Washington Circle, Hurricane, WV 25526, 304-546-5894, gcs1953@gmail.com, www.charlestondistancerun.com.

*****
SEPT. 6 - Tupelo Marathon & 14.2 Miler - Tupelo, MS

26th Annual. 5am. Prize $ ($450). Gently rolling course on country roads & residential sections of West Tupelo & Belden; 14.2 Miler - point to point; Marathon out & back; USATF. Entry Limit: 300-marathon, 250-14.2 miler. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 finishers: 242-marathon, 196-14.2 mi. Avg. temp. 75-90º.

Contact: David Whiteside/TRC, 160 N. Columbia St., Pontotoc, MS 38863, runtupelo@gmail.com, www.tupelorunningclub.net.

*****
SEPT. 6 - Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon - Virginia Beach, VA

9th Annual. 6:40am/Wheelchair Invitational; 6:45am/Elite Women; 7am/Elite Men & Half Marathon Participant Start. Prize $ ($80,000). Flat, fast, scenic course that finishes along the Virginia Beach boardwalk; USATF. Labor Day weekend’s best running event & music festival. Entry Limit: 20,000. 2008 entrants: 20,000. Avg. temp. 75.

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

*****
SEPT. 7 - Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Half Marathon - Alexandria, VA

4th Annual. 9am. Children's 1 mi. with Henry Rono. Prize $ ($1,200). Out and back on a scenic riverfront paved trail. USATF. Entry Limit: 300. Time Limit: 2:30. 2008 entrants: 300. Avg. temp. 60ºF.

Contact: Jay Jacob Wind, ACF, 611 South Ivy St., Arlington, VA 22204, 703-927-4833, racedirector@att.net, www.acfcoop.org.

*****
SEPT. 12 - Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon - Asheville, NC

10th Annual. 7:30am. 5K Run/Walk. Prize $ ($1,500-half). The newly redesigned course winds through some of Asheville's most beautiful neighborhoods and includes the climbs and descents local runners love; USATF in process. Entry Limit: 1,000. Time Limit: 3.5 hrs. 2008 entrants: 850. Avg. temp. 86/66.

Contact: Greg Duff, Glory Hound Events, 49 Rolling Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786, 828-400-5868, greg@gloryhoundevents.com, www.citizen-times.com/race.

*****
SEPT. 19 - Arkansas Marathon & 20K - Benton, AR

41st Annual. 7:30am. Challenging, hilly out-and-back course. Time Limit: 5 1/2 hrs. 2008 entrants: 42-marathon, 126-20K. Avg. temp. 78º.
Contact: Pete Ireland, POB 866, Benton, AR 72018, 501-315-9252, pirel@prodigy.net, www.salinecountystriders.com.

*****
SEPT. 19 - Revenge of the Penguins 10 & 20 Mile - Carderock, MD

2nd Annual. 8am. Out and back on C&O Canal Towpath; all gravel. Entry Limit: 200. 2008 entrants: 200. Avg. temp. 60ºF.

Contact: Jay Jacob Wind, ACF, 611 South Ivy St., Arlington, VA 22204, 703-927-4833, racedirector@att.net, www.acfcoop.org.

*****
SEPT. 19 - Run the Valley Half Marathon - Badin, NC

5th Annual. 7:30am/half marathon, 8:15am/10K & 5K, 9am/1 mi. FR. Challenging course takes you to the top of Morrow Mountain and back to Badin; beautiful rural setting & scenery. Entry Limit: 100. Time Limit: 3 hrs. 2008 entrants: under 100. Avg. temp. 60ºF.

Contact: Ellen Smet, POB 1489, Albemarle, NC 28002, 704-984-4586, ellen.smet@stanly.org, www.queencitytiming.com.
*****

SEPT. 19 - Mountain Top Marathon & Half Marathon (Ocoee White Water Center) - Copperhill, TN

9am Marathon (New this year), Half; 9:15am 5K. Home of the 1996 Olympic paddling events, this course is challenging and beautiful. Avg. temp. 75º.

Contact: Barbara Border 404-217-0041, barb@newleafadventures.com, www.newleafadventures.com.

*****
SEPT. 19 - Odyssey Trail Running Rampage Marathon, Half Marathon & 40 Mile - Douthat State Park, VA

Race course will be a loop format which will offer challenging uphills, fast downhills and beautiful views of multiple points on the trail; 40 mile will entail 3 laps; the Marathon 2 laps; and the Half Marathon 1 lap.

Contact: Odyssey Adventure Racing, P.O. Box 2487, Salem, VA 24153, 540-444-4422, www.OARevents.com.

*****
SEPT. 19 - The North Face Endurance Challenge Sterling, VA

3rd Annual. 5am/50 Mile, 7am/50K, 9am/Half Marathon, 10am/10K. Prize $ (Gore-Tex 50 mi. champs $1,000, SF Championship Runners $10,000). Additional Challenges on 5/9, 6/6, 10/24 & 12/5. Course is 50% single track, 30% dirt or gravel doubletrack, 10% gravel carriage road, 10% paved road. Entry Limit: 250-50 mi., 250-50K, 350-half, 300-10K. Time Limit: 13 hrs.-50 mi., 9 hrs.-50K, 4 hrs.-half, 2 hrs.-10K. 2008 entrants: 1,000.

Contact: Whitney Eckert, 2828 Routh St., Suite 325, Dallas, TX 75201, 214-451-1913, endurancechallenge@hawkeyeww.com, www.challenge.thenorthface.com.

*****
SEPT. 26 - Hiddenite Festival Road Race Half Marathon - Hiddenite, NC

3rd Annual. 8:30am. 10K. Hilly, rural run in beautiful Alexander County. Entry Limit: 250 runners. 2008 entrants: 75. Avg. temp. 75-80.

Contact: Rick French, 621 Liledoun Rd., Taylorsville, NC 28681, 828-632-9332, rfrench@alexandercountync.gov, www.alexandercountync.gov.

*****
SEPT. 26 - Salem Lake Trail Races - Winston-Salem, NC

20th Annual. 8am 30K, 8:30am 10K. Beautiful out-and-back course mostly on wooded trail surrounding Salem Lake. Course has been listed as one of America's best running trails. Entry Limit: 1,000 both races. 2008 entrants: 427-30K, 442-10K. Avg. temp. 60º.

Contact: Steve Bennett, c/o Twin City Track Club, POB 692, Winston-Salem, NC 27102, 336-722-2489, salemlake@twincitytc.org, www.twincitytc.org.

*****
SEPT. 26 - Great Eastern Endurance 100K, 50K & Half Marathon Trail Race - Charlottesville, VA

7th Annual. 6am/all events. 100K of single track trail in the beautiful George Washington National Forest; USATF certified. Entry Limit: 300. Time Limit: 100K-19 hrs. Avg. temp. 70s.

Contact: Francesca Coute, 110 Old Preston Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22902, 434-293-7115, www.badtothebone.biz.

*****
SEPT. 26 - Mulberry Island Half Marathon - Fort Eustis, VA

29th Annual. 7:30am/5K, 8am/half marathon. Prize $ ($450). Surface 100% flat, asphalt roadway, along the James River with the Ghost Fleet near Ft. Crafford and the early site of American Brick Factory; USATF. Time Limit: 1 hr.-5K, 3 hr.-half marathon. 2008 entrants: 312. Avg. temp. Low 70s.

Contact: Ronald Lynch, 643 Dickman St., Fort Eustis, VA 23604, 757-878-6075, ronald.lynch@us.army.mil.

*****
SEPT. 27 - National Capital 20 Miler - Alexandria, VA

24th Annual. 7:30am 20 miler, 8am 5 Miler. 20 Mile on the old course (Mount Vernon bike trail). Great tune-up for the Marine Corps Marathon; USATF. Time Limit: 20 Miler 4 hrs. Avg. temp. low 60s at start.

Contact: DC Road Runners Club Hotline 703-241-0395, www.dcroadrunners.org.

*****
OCT. 3 - Jacksonville Marine Corps 1/2 Marathon - Jacksonville, FL

6th Annual. 7am. Half/5K. Prize $ ($2,000). Course starts at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, runs through Downtown and into Riverside; USATF. 2008 entrants: 2,100. Avg. temp. 70.

Contact: Doug Alred, 3931 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32217, 904-731-1900, firstplacesports@mindspring.com, www.1stplacesports.com.

*****
OCT. 3 - Triple Lakes Trail Race, 40 Mile, Marathon & Half Marathon - Greensboro, NC

5th Annual. 8am.100% on single track trail, circles three separate lakes. 2008 entrants: 500. Avg. temp. 52º.

Contact: Scott Bassett, 2411 Quaker Landing Rd., Greensboro, NC 27455, 336-253-3153, smbassett@hotmail.com, www.triplelakesrace.com.

*****
OCT. 3 - Murfreesboro Half Marathon - Murfreesboro, TN

3rd Annual. 6:55am/wheelchair, 7am/half, 7:15am/Kids FR. Start/finish at MTSU Track & Soccer Stadium; run through historic downtown and past several landmarks; flat, fast & fun. USATF. Entry Limt: 2,000/half, 250/Kids. Time Limit: 3.5 hrs. 2008 entrants: 1,750. Avg. temp. 58.6º.

Contact: Melinda Tate, Race Dir., POB 11985, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, 615-975-2286, racedirector@themiddlehalf.com, www.themiddlehalf.com.

*****
OCT. 3 - Beckley Half Marathon - Beckley, WV

12th Annual. 8am, 5K Run & Walk. Prize $ ($4,000). Gradual rolling hills through picturesque Beckley. Entry Limit: 200-half. Time Limit: 2.5 hr. 2008 entrants: 150-half, 250-5K run, 70-5K walk. Avg. temp. 50º.

Contact: Kip Buchanan, 245 N. Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801, 304-252-7328, kip@brccc.com, www.brccc.com.

*****
OCT. 4 - 13.1 Marathon Atlanta - Atlanta, GA

Inaugural. 7:13am (wheelchair 7:03am). Atlanta course features more than 15 entertainment groups. Avg. temp. low to mid-60's. Time Limit: 3:30.

Contact: US Road Sports & Entertainment, 528 Plasters Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, 404-892-8383, run@131atlanta.com, www.131marathon.com.

*****
OCT. 10 - Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival - Baltimore, MD

9th Annual. 8am/marathon & relay; 9:45am/half, 8:30am/5K; 9am/Kids FR. Prize $ ($125,000). Rolling course travels through several historic districts including Fells Point, Ft. McHenry, and the famed Inner Harbor; similar to Boston; USATF. Entry Limit (18,000 total): 4,000-marathon, 7,500-half, 2,500-5K, 750-teams, 1,000-Kids. Time Limit: 7 hrs. marathon, 5 1/2 hrs. half. Avg. temp. high 50’s-low 60’s.

Contact: Baltimore Running Festival, 6610 Amberton Dr., Ste. 400, Elkridge, MD 21075, 410-605-9381, customerservice@corrigansports.com, www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.

*****
OCT. 10 - Western Maryland Half Marathon - Hancock, MD

2nd Annual. 8am. 5K Walk. Prize $ ($500). Flat, paved, on the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Entry Limit: 300. Time Limit: 3 hrs. 2008 entrants: 150. Avg. temp. 45-50ºF.

Contact: Tara Horst, Race Coordinator, 20 S. Prospect St., Hagerstown, MD 21740, 301-791-9009, wmdhalf@hotmail.com, www.westernmdhalf.com.

*****
OCT. 10 - Bethel Half Marathon - Canton, NC

16th Annual. 8:30am. 5K. On rural roads in Center Pigeon Valley with several moderate hills. Time Limit: 2.5 hrs. 2008 entrants: 168-half, 104-5K. Avg. temp. 52ºF.

Contact: Ben Fishback, 1352 Panther Branch Rd., Canton, NC 28716, 828-646-3882, georgefi@earthlink.net, www.bethelcomm.org.

*****
OCT. 10 - iRecycle Run Spartanburg Half Marathon - Spartanburg, SC

Inaugural. 8am/half. 5K & 1 Mile FR. Prize $ (tdb). Two 6.05 mile loops through Spartanburg starting on Pine St. in front of YMCA utilizing Greenway trail and Duncan Park. Avg. temp. 70º.

Contact: Brandy Gutierrez, URRC, LLC, 5396 N. Blackstock Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29303; 864-574-0904, irecycle@urrc.net, www.irecycledoyou.net.

*****

OCT. 11 - Mystery Mountain Marathon - Chatsworth, GA

8am. Marathon & 12 mile.

Contact: Janice Anderson (678)778-8211, getguts@hotmail.com.

*****

OCT. 17 - Cannonball Half Marathon - Greensboro, NC

6th Annual. 8am. 5K & Kids Race. Scenic out and back; USATF. 2008 entrants: 800. Avg. temp. 52º.

Contact: Scott Bassett, 2411 Quaker Landing Rd., Greensboro, NC 27455, 336-253-3153, smbassett@hotmail.com, www.cannonballrunrace.com.

OCT. 17 - Medoc Trail Races - Marathon & 10 Mile - Hollister, NC

2nd Annual. 8:15am/marathon, 8:30am/10 mile. Course will challenge runners as they traverse wooded trails, many of which are single track; amazing views, passing over and beside waterways, up and down hills 2008 finishers: 50-marathon, 179-10 Mile.

Contact: runrmec@yahoo.com, www.medoctrailmarathon.com.

*****
OCT. 17 - Marathon Makeover Marathon & Half Marathon, Ridgeland, MS

Inaugural. 7am. Prize $. Course will start and finish at the Northpark Mall; walker friendly. Time Limit: Marathon-8hrs., half-4hrs.

Contact: Marathon Makeover, LLC, 108 Lowe Circle, Clinton, MS 39056, Mark Simpson 601-594-1486, marathon@marathonmakeover.com, www.mmmarathon.com.

*****

OCT. 18 - Music City Half Marathon - Nashville, TN

3rd Annual. 8am/cst. Out and back on Shelby Bottoms Greenway; USATF. Entry Limit: 1,000. 2008 entrants: 532.

Contact: 615-390-6977, Lntdp@earthlink.net, www.musiccityhalfmarathon.com/Music%20City%20Half%20Marathon....

*****
OCT. 24 - Ridge to Bridge Marathon - Jonas Ridge, NC

4th Annual. 8am. Pending changes route course through Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek; 2,800 feet of net descent with few hills to slow your momentum; USATF. Entry Limit: 350. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 150. Avg. temp. High 58ºF., Low 46ºF.

Contact: David Lee, POB 2178, Morganton, NC 28680, 828-432-6664, bmrcdavid@compascable.net, www.my-bmrc.org.

*****
OCT. 25 - Marine Corps Marathon - Arlington, VA

34th Annual. 8am. MCM 10K, Healthy Kids FR. 2009 course takes runners on a new journey through the nation's capitol featuring the best of Arlington, VA & Washington DC. Entry Limit: 30,000. Time Limit: 14 min. per mile pace.

Contact: Marine Corps Marathon, POB 188, Quantico, VA 22134, 800-RUN-USMC, marine.marathon@usmc.mil, www.marinemarathon.com.
*****
OCT. 30 - NOV. 1 - Augusta Half Marathon Festival - Augusta, GA

2nd Annual. 7am (11/1). Start/finish downtown, challenging course runs through some of the most scenic areas of Augusta. Time Limit: 3.5 hr. Avg. temp. High 69F, Low 43F.

Contact: Randy DuTeau, POB 1331, Augusta, GA 30903, 706-722-8326 (ext. 239), randy@augustasportscouncil.org, www.augustahalf.org.

*****
OCT. 31 - Silver Comet Half Marathon - Mableton, GA

9th Annual. 7:30am. Beautiful, flat and fast half on the Silver Comet Trail. 2008 finishers: 1,500 (sold out at 1,800). Avg. temp. 55º.

Contact: Garden Runner, POB 362, Mableton, GA 30126, 770-745-7056, gardenrunner@mindspring.com, www.silvercometraces.com.

*****
OCT. 31 - Spinx RunFest Half Marathon - Greenville, SC

5th Annual. 8am/Half Marathon, 9am/5K Road Race & Walk. Marathon will not be held in 2009 and will return in 2010. Course features historic neighborhoods, Cleveland Park & city landmarks; all races start at Baseball Stadium and finish inside behind home plate. Entry Limit:1,000-half, 2000-5K.

Contact: Greenville Track Club, POB 5678, Greenville, SC 29606, 864-271-0092, www.spinxrunfest.com.

OCT. 31 - North Charleston Half Marathon - North Charleston, SC

Inaugural. 7:30am. 5K. Course is flat and fast and will provide you with a mix of the City's "green" neighborhoods.

Contact: Atlantic Sports Marketing Group, 2105 Cromley Circle #C, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Kelly Macpherson 843-712-2618, kelly@festivalpromotionsmyrtlebeach.com, www.AtlanticSportsMarketingGroup.com

*****
Oct. 31, - The Haunted Half Marathon - Kingsport, TN

Inaugural. 3pm. 4-Person Half Marathon Relay. Flat and fast double loop course.

Contact: 423-963-1046, hank@crazy8s.org, www.hauntedhalf.com.

*****
NOV. 1 - City of Oaks Marathon & Rex Healthcare Half Marathon - Raleigh, NC

3rd Annual. 7am. Prize $. Rolling hills, very scenic course through downtown and state park; USATF. Entry Limit: 2,000-marathon, 4,000-half. Time Limit: Marathon-6 hrs., Half-3.5 hrs. Avg. temp. 55º.

Contact: racecommittee@cityofoaksmarathon.com, www.cityofoaksmarathon.com.

*****
NOV. 1 - Carolina Sports Medicine Battleship North Carolina 1/2 Marathon & 5K - Wilmington, NC

11th Annual. 8am/half, 8:10am/5K. Start & finish at the Battleship Memorial. Loop two bridges, tour Greenfield Lake, run over the Memorial bridge at mile-12; USATF. River Taxi and Trolly Buses to race start. Race Limit: 1,400-half, 550-5K. Avg. temp. 60ºF.

Contact: Ed Fore, 310 Colonial Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403, edfore7628@bellsouth.net, www.battleshiphalfmarathon.active.com.

*****
NOV. 1 - Marshall University Marathon - Huntington, WV

6th Annual. 7:30am. Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay & 5-Mile Fun Walk. Flat, fast; finishes at the goal line in Marshall University Football Stadium; USATF. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 1,000. Avg. temp. 50º.

Contact: Thomas Dannals, 5170 Rt. 60 East, Huntington, WV 25705, 304-528-4661, president@healthyhuntington.org, www.HealthyHuntington.org.

*****
Nov. 1, Daytona Beach - Daytona Beach Half Marathon

2nd Annual. 6am. Course features an out and back route, with the start and finish lines located at historic Daytona International Speedway. Avg. temp. high 80, low 63.

Info: Jason Maderer (407)648-4900, ext.16, jmaderer@orlandosports.org.

*****
NOV. 7 - Mid-South Marathon & Half Marathon - Wynne, AR

11th Annual. 8am (early start 7am). Marathon Wheelchair & Half Marathon Run or Walk. Out and back with some rolling terrain, some flat; USATF. Time Limit: 7 hr. (w/early start). 2008 entrants: 400. Avg. temp. 52º.

Contact: Karen Garner, Race Dir., POB 408, Wynne, AR 72396, 870-208-4543, akgarner53@yahoo.com, www.midsouthmarathon.com.

*****
NOV. 7 - Mayberry Half Marathon & Team Marathon - Mount Airy, NC

2nd Annual. 8am. Prize $ ($300). Race incorporates "Histric Downtown Mayberry" and a greenway that runs along a creek "beautiful". Entry Limit: 400. Time Limit: 5 hrs. 2008 entrants: 200. Avg. temp. 55-60º.

Contact: Reeves Community Center, Attn: Darren Lewis, 113 Renfro St., Mount Airy, NC 27030, 336-786-8313, dlewis@mountairy.org, www.reeves@reevescommunitycenter.com.

*****
NOV. 7 - Governor's Cup Road Race Half Marathon - Columbia, SC

37th Annual. 8am. 8K, Kid's Run, Fittest Company. Scenic course begins in downtown Columbia and ends in the historic Horseshoe of the University of South Carolina; USATF. Entry Limit: 5,000. Time Limit: 3 hrs. 2008 entrants: 1,000. Avg. temp. 55-60ºF.

Contact: Marie Queen, POB 5092, Columbia, SC 29250, 803-731-2100, info@carolinamarathon.org, www.carolinamarathon.org.

*****
NOV. 8 - Outer Banks Marathon & Gateway Bank Half Marathon - Outer Banks, NC

4th Annual. 7:20am. 2009 USATF NC Association Marathon Championship/7am. 2009 RRCA NC Half Marathon Championship. Prize $. Varied terrain, coastal, scenic, incredible community support, mainly flat; walker friendly. Entry Limit: 2,500 marathon, 3,500 half. Avg. temp. 48F low, 63 high.

Contact: Outer Banks Marathon, POB 959, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, 252-261-6296, eventcoordinator@obxmarathon.org, www.obxmarathon.com.

*****
NOV. 14 - Huntsville Half Marathon - Huntsville, AL

21st Annual. 8am/13.1 mi., 8:20am/5K. Relatively flat course; residential streets and city greenway; USATF. Time Limit: 3 hrs./half. 2008 entrants: 600-half, 400-5K. Avg. temp. 45ºF.

Contact: Dick Franklin, 1304 Hearthwood Circle, Huntsville, AL 35803, 256-881-0331, dickfranklin@knology.net, www.huntsvilletrackclub.org.

*****
NOV. 14 - Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon & Half Marathon - Fort Oglethorpe, GA

31st Annual. 7:30am/est. Rural paved roads lead through the historic Battlefield Park, a memorial to the major Civil War battle; mostly flat with a few rolling hills; double loop; USATF. Entry Limit: 600-marathon, 900-half. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 finishers: 557-marathon, 674-half. Avg. temp. 40-60ºF.

Contact: Chattanooga Track Club, POB 11241, Chattanooga, TN 37401, 423-629-6232, marathon@chattanoogatrackclub.org, www.battlefieldmarathon.com.

*****
NOV. 14 - Danville Half Marathon - Danville, VA

NEW DATE. 5th Annual Half Marathon. 11am/Half Marathon & 8K Run/Walk (new for 09). Modified course; flat and fast. Entry Limit: 300/half. Time Limit: 3 hrs. 2008 finishers: 141/half. Avg. temp. high 62ºF, low 36º.

Contact: Vince Decker, DCC, 1008 S. Main St., Danville, VA 24541, 434-797-8470, vdecker@dcc.vccs.edu, www.danvillehalfmarathon.com.

*****
NOV. 14 - SunTrust Richmond Marathon & Half Marathon - Richmond, VA

32nd Annual. 7am/8K, 7:30am/half marathon, 8am/marathon. "America's Friendliest Marathon" takes runners through scenic and historic sections of Virginia's Capital city and across the beautiful James River; USATF. Time Limit: 3.5 hr./half, 7 hrs./marathon. 2008 entrants: 4,500-marathon, 4,500-half, 5,000-8K. Avg. temp. 50º.

Contact: Sports Backers, 100 Avenue of Champions, Richmond, VA 23230, 804-673-RACE, marathon@sportsbackers.org, www.richmondmarathon.com.

*****

NOV. 14 - Rivertown 1/2 Marathon - Conway, SC

Inaugural. 7:30am. 8K. Course is flat and fast and will include a mix of beautiful live oaks and Historic homes and buildings throughout historic Conway.

Contact: Atlantic Sports Marketing Group, 2105 Cromley Circle #C, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Kelly Macpherson 843-712-2618, kelly@festivalpromotionsmyrtlebeach.com, www.AtlanticSportsMarketingGroup.com.

*****
NOV. 21 - Mountain Home Marathon for Kenya & Half Marathon - Mountain Home, AR

6th Annual. 8am/marathon, half marathon, 5K. First half of marathon is hilly, second half is flat. Half marathon has a 3/4 mile long downhill and then runs along the beautiful White River where it’s flat and fast to the finish; USATF.

Contact: Mountain Home Marathon, 445 CR 1008, Mountain Home, AR 72653, Laurie Kasinger 870-492-6625, www.mountainhomemarathon.com.

*****

Nov. 21 - Star City Half Marathon - Roanoke, VA

24th Annual. 9am. Course incorporates a mix of both hills and flat stretches along an out-and-back that unfolds throughout the city. 2008 finishers: 294. Avg temp. 58F & 38F.

Contact:Virginia Amateur Sports, 711-C 5th Street NE, Roanoke, VA 24016; Lauren McMillan 540-343-0987, lmcmillan@commonwealthgames.org, www.CommonwealthGames.org.
*****

NOV. 21 - Turkey Trot Half Marathon - Pinehurst, NC

29th Annual 8:30am/1 Mile Fun Run, 9am/half, 9:30am/5K & 10K Run. Rolling hills, moderate course; USATF. Time Limit: 4 hr. 2008 Entrants: 850. Avg. temp. 60ºF.

Contact: Jodi Heimrich, Race Dir., 170 Memorial Dr., Pinehurst, NC 28374, 910-715-1843, jheimrich@firsthealth.org.
*****
NOV. 21 - Mountain Gobbler Half Marathon - Hayesville, NC

10th Annual. 10am. 10K. A lot of beautiful, flat running, panaramic lake and mountain views and 2 good hills; this is the same course that we use for our Half Iroman Triathlon. 2008 entrants: 50. Avg. temp. 40º.

Contact: Scott Hanna, 44 Weeping Willow Ln., Hayesville, NC 28904, 828-389-6982, triracing@thebeastoftheeast.net, www.thebeastoftheeast.net

*****
NOV. 22 - X-Country Marathon, 30K & Half Marathon - Lithia, FL

6th Annual. 7:30am. 5K. Beautiful course that winds through Alafia River State Park. Time Limit: 6.5 hrs. 2008 entrants: 680. Avg. temp. 75º.

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

*****
NOV. 22 - Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon - Nashville, TN

4th Annual. 8am. Hilly, wooded roads in one of the country's largest city parks. Entry Limit: 200. Time Limit: 7 hrs. 2008 entrants: 195. Avg. temp. 40 at start, 50 at finish.

Contact: Trent Rosenbloom, 155 Carnavon Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37205, 615-356-7277, info@harpethhillsmarathon.com, www.harpethhillsmarathon.com.

*****
NOV. 26 - Outback Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon - Jacksonville, FL
26th Annual. 8am Half/6K. Prize $ ($1000: $500, $300, top 3 M/F). Beautiful course through Mandarin section of Jacksonville; USATF Certified. 2008 entrants: 4,200. Avg. temp. 56º.

Contact: Doug Alred, 3931 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32217, 904-731-1900, firstplacesports@mindspring.com, www.1stplacesports.com.

*****
NOV. 26 - The Weather Channel Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon - Atlanta, GA

48th Running (Thanksgiving). 7am/half, 7:30am/full. Full: Rolling, hills in final 10K. Half: Gently rolling with hills in final third; USATF. Time Limit: Full-5.5 hr., Half-5 hrs. Avg. temp. 45ºF.

Contact: Atlanta Track Club, POB 12109, Atlanta, GA 30355, 404-231-9064, atc@atlantatrackclub.org, www.atlantatrackclub.org.

*****
NOV. 28 - Northern Central Trail Marathon & 2-Person Relay - Sparks, MD

20th Annual. 9am (both). Prize $ (Course records only for Open & Masters M/F).1st 1.8 & last 1.5 on roads, balance on out-and-back trail (rails to trail course); USATF. Entry Limit: 40-Team, 500-Marathon. Time Limit: 6hrs. 2008 entrants: 550. Avg. temp. 48-52º.

Contact: Charm City Run Timing, c/o David Cooley, 6120 Haddon Hall Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212, 443-271-6524, dcoolman@comcast.net, www.brrc.com.

*****
NOV. 28 - Mississippi Coast Marathon & Half Marathon. Waveland, MS
(Stennis Space Center)

20th Annual. 8am (all races). 5K Run. Flat, fast course; double loop; USATF. 2008 entrants: 109-marathon, 230-half, 165-5K. Avg temp. 50º.

Contact: Leonard Vergunst, 304 Mincheck Rd., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, 228-380-7037 (c), www.gulfcoastrunningclub.org.

*****

NOV. 28 - Kaiser Realty Coastal Half Marathon - Orange Beach, AL

8am/Half marathon, 8:15am/5K & 1 Mile Run. Fast, flat, scenic USATF certified courses.

Contact: 205-595-8633, races@team-magic.com, www.team-magic.com.
*****

NOV. 29 - Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon - Cocoa, FL

38th Annual. 6am. Run one of the most beautiful waterfront courses on the east coast. Avg. temp. low 53, high 73.

Contact: Space Coast Marathon, c/o Running Zone, 3680 N. Wickham Rd., Unit C, Melbourne, FL 32935, 321-751-8890, info@spacecoastmarathon.org, www.spacecoastmarathon.org.

*****
DEC. 5 - Baton Rouge Beach Marathon & Half Marathon - ,Baton Rouge, LA

16th Annual. 7am. Double loop. USATF. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 1,000 (approx.). Avg. temp. 60-70º.

Contact: Craig S. Watson, 3909 Plaza Tower Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70816, 225-292-3800, (225)324-3123, sailfish01@aol.com, www.brbeachmarathon.com.

*****
DEC. 5 - St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend - Memphis, TN

31st Annual. 8am. Half Marathon & 5K. Prize $ (tba). Run by day...rock by night! Truly rewarding race experience in the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll and the Home of the Blues. Entry Limit: 3,500-marathon, 8,000-half, 4,000-5K. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 14,000 (all 3 races). Avg. temp. 46ºF.

Contact: Dwight Drinkard, St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 800-565-5112, marathon@stjude.org, www.stjudemarathon.org.

*****
DEC. 6 - Brandon Half Marathon - Brandon, FL

31st Annual. 7am/half. 8am/5K. Out-and-back, fast & flat; USATF. 2008 entrants: 450. Avg. temp. 58.

Contact: Bill McKnight, POB 1110, Brandon, FL 33509-1110, 813-681-4279, bill@apecgas.com, www.brandonrunning.com.

*****
DEC. 6 - Marathon of The Palm Beaches West Palm Beach, FL

6th Annual. 6am/Marathon, Half, 5K & Kids K. Prize $. Flat, fast course; over 60% scenic waterfront vistas; Boston qualifier. Time Limit: 7hrs. Avg. temp. 67º.

Contact: Marathon of the Palm Beaches, Inc., 401 N. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33401, 561-833-3711 (ext. 222), www. MarathonPB.com.

*****
DEC. 12 - Rocket City Marathon - Huntsville, AL

33rd Annual. 8am. Prize $ ($7,400 plus bonus). Gently rolling and fast; only two hills over 35 feet; USATF. Entry Limit: 1,500. Time Limit: 6 hr. 2008 entrants: 1,500. Avg. temp. 42º.

Contact: Suzanne Taylor, 2722 Carl T. Jones, Suite 2B, Huntsville, AL 35802, 256-650-7063, suzanne@fleetfeethuntsville.com, www.runrocketcity.com.

*****
DEC. 12 - Cellular South Half Marathon - Ridgeland, MS

23rd Annual. half marathon walk 7:30am, run 8am. Out and back on Highland Colony Parkway; USATF. Avg. temp. 50.

Contact: Jim Myrick, POB 1414, Ridgeland, MS 39157, 601-856-9884, mtrackclub@aol.com, www.mstrackclub.com.

*****
DEC. 12 - Charlotte’s Thunder Road Marathon - Charlotte, NC

5th Annual. 8am/marathon & half; 5K/8:20am. Rolling, scenic course starts in the shadows of Charlotte’s gleaming skyscrapers, and winds through stately tree-lined avenues, the eclectic arts districts, historic and up-and-coming neighborhoods before returning to uptown for the finish; USATF. Entry Limit: 5K-3,500. Time Limit: 6 hr./marathon, 3 hrs. half. 2008 entrants. 7,032. Avg. temp. high 57F, low 37F.

Contact: Tim Rhodes, 2422 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203, 704-358-0717, tim@runforyourlife.com, www.runcharlotte.com.

*****
DEC. 12 - Kiawah Island Marathon & Half Marathon - Kiawah Island, SC
32nd Annual. 8am. Flat, fast course within 10,000 acre barrier island resort community, first class amazing scenery; USATF. Entry Limit: 3,000. Time Limit: 8 hrs. Avg. temp. 40-60.

Contact: Kiawah Island Marathon, 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455, 843-768-2744, kiawah_marathon@kiawahresort.com, www.kiawahresort.com/recreation/marathon.

*****
DEC. 19 - Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon - Clermont, FL

4th Annual. 7:30am. 5K. Out and back course on paved trails with some hills; USATF. Time Limit: 8 hrs. 2008 entrants: 500. Avg. temp. 70º.

Contact: Tom Ziebart, 1099 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont, FL 34711, 352-241-7144 (ext. 4209), tomziebart@aol.com, www.usantc.com.

*****
DEC. 20 - Jacksonville Bank Marathon & Half Marathon, FL

27th Annual. 7am. Prize $ ($2,000). Very flat and fast keyhole type course. 80% shaded. USATF. Entry Limit: 2,500. Time Limit: 6 hrs. 2008 entrants: 2,500. Avg. temp. 56º.

Contact: 1st Place Sports, 3931 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32217, 904-731-1900, firstplacesports@mindspring.com, www.1stplacesports.com.

*****
DEC. 20 - Ole Man River Half Marathon - New Orleans, LA

28th Annual. 8am. 5K. Out-and-back along the paved Mississippi River Trace pathway running alongside the Mississippi River; USATF.

Contact: NOTC, POB 52003, New Orleans, LA 70152, 504-467-8626, www.runNOTC.org.

*****
JAN. 7-10, 2010 - Walt Disney World Maratho & Half Marathon Weekend -
Lake Buena Vista, FL

16th Annual. Marathon/6am (1/10), Half Marathon/Closed (1/9). Family Fun Run (1/8). Kids’ Races/11am-1pm (1/8-9). Run through Disney property plus the four theme parks; Half marathon course runs from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom Park and back. Avg. temp. 48.

Contact: Walt Disney World Marathon, POB 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, 407-938-3398, www.disneyworldmarathon.com.

*****
FEB. 11-14, 2010 - Myrtle Beach Marathon - Relay & Half Marathon - Myrtle Beach, SC

13th Annual. 6:30am. Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay (2/13). 5K Run (2/12) & Ultra Bicycle Ride: 10, 30 & 63 mi. (2/14). Flat, loop, scenic course; USATF. Avg. temp. 58ºF.

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