Celebrate Excitement!
Columbus has Talent, come Show it.
What does Indianapolis have that Columbus does not, YET? A 35,000 person spring half marathon. Recently, I met with the Sports Commission, Experience Columbus and Mayor Coleman and we all agree that if Indy can do it, Columbus can too. The Indi Mini is 35 years old and Cap City is just getting into its 8th year and we are on the right path.
We have grown participation in Cap City over 35% each year since 2008. At that rate, we will reach 35,000 participants in under 6 years. However, we will never sacrifice the remarkable customer experience we strive to provide for you, and we will control our growth as we climb towards that number. We are building the infrastructure to make that a reality. In 2011 we have a brand new course, a new start and finish line, a new corral and wave system, a quarter marathon, some new operations staff, a new communications director, and a full time volunteer recruiter and coordinator. Get ready Columbus!
I raced in Indy back when Jeff Graves was the race director. Jeff was instrumental in growing the event from 17,000 to 30,000. I attended a number of the events with Jeff to learn the elements and issues involved with that type of growth. The highlights of Indy are a lap around the motor speedway, a big expo, numerous volunteers and some great "on course" entertainment. Can Columbus compete with that? You bet we can and here is why:
1. A brand new world class spectator friendly course that will rank Cap City in the top 10 half marathon courses in the country. We touch all of the High Five, run by Ohio Stadium and right down the middle of High Street.
2.
Columbus, Ohio is a vibrant city with a tremendous running and walking community. Mayor Coleman, Andrea Cambern and City leaders are committed to the active healthy lifestyle. Columbus is full of energy, the Arena District is hopping, and I would put our restaurants, bars, hotels, clubs, zoo and art galleries against any.
3. Columbus has a fitness community that is growing exponentially. Cap City has become the Rite of Spring in Columbus.
Now here is where we need your help: Indy has over 100 on course entertainment stations. While our focus in building Cap City and M3S has been on relentless and remarkable event production and creating the ultimate participant experience, we are now working on expanding our entertainment. We will have DJs at every mile marker, a post race concert at the Finish line and are looking for at least 50 more entertainment stations throughout the course. We currently have commitments for 10 of those stations and and we want to invite your group to join us. We will give your group a listing on the webpage and on Facebook to help promote you. If you are chosen to participate you have the ability to win your share of $1000, numerous other prizes and have a select spot at next year's event.
So do you have a cheerleading team, a band, yodel, dance? We want to see your talent and give you the audience you deserve. Send me a link or a video of you in action. We are looking for you and want to make you a star!
Do you love music and want to be a part of the M3S team? Just email us as we are always looking for fun energetic people to help us recruit and evaluate talent.
You are a Champion!
