We are 53 days away from the 8th Annual Capital City Half Marathon on May 7th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is on record pace and we will sell out for the 3rd year in a row. Save Money and register now as registration fees increase on March 31.

Don't miss your chance, REGISTER NOW

I was in a conversation last week about the word "Cherish". Sometimes I don't think we cherish the important things in life. As I begin to learn more about the mission and focus of our Charity partners it makes me really appreciate many of the things I often take for granted. Basic things like just being able to go out of the house and be active. During my run on Saturday, my normal little aches and pains didn't seem to bother me anymore. So this week, cherish family, life, friends, and the fact that you can run or walk a quarter or half marathon. Give a few more hugs, take the time to say thank you and when you are training, cherish the fact that you can.

Earlier this week, I announced the fact that we will have Yellow Tail Sparkling Wine and Chocolate from Chocoholique at the finish line waiting for you so that we can celebrate you like a champion. When we get together on May 7th, lets raise a glass and celebrate each other.

You are receiving this email as you are already registered or we thought you would not want to get closed out of the ultimate Spring Celebration.

The course entertainment this year will be second to none. Yes, we have over 20 bands, but we also have DJ's at every mile, drumlines, cheerleaders, oh my. Bottom line, the course will be electric and fit for a Champion like you.

"A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have." ~Author Unknown

David

Have you checked out the new course video?

With our event growing to one of the largest events in the region, event weekend can become a bit overwhelming. I am going to provide you with tips over the next few weeks that will help you plan for a remarkable experience.

To continue our quest to provide you a remarkable race day experience, we are implementing a Corral starting system. Runners and walkers for both races will be positioned in the starting area based upon the estimated finishing times you provided us when you registered. Our Corral team will allow you into the Corral that corresponds with the letter on your bib.

On race day, you will be permitted to move to a slower Corral (higher letter) but you may not move to a faster one (lower letter). Please plan extra time at the start to make sure you are in the correct Corral. Here is the Corral breakdown.

There is no more valuable commodity than information! To keep down the nerves as the event gets closer, make sure you follow the event on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, make sure you are receiving these newsletters and check the website on a regular basis.

Dr. Bright has been the medical director of the Capital City Half Marathon since 2004, and is responsible for all of the medical protocol in place throughout M3S Sports which touches more than 30,000 athletes a year. Since 2002, and over many different events in numerous cities, I have worked with over six different medical directors (many of them with national reputations in the road racing area), and not one of them has the talent, passion and attention to detail of Dr. Bright. In short, I have found THE medical director for our road racing events. He spends tireless hours assisting not only our team but our participants by answering questions, giving training talks and participating in training runs.

Since 2004, Darrin has established himself as one of the elite medical directors in all of road racing. He has also become a personal friend and advisor. Dr. Bright's hard work and talent as a physician are clearly evidenced by the explosive growth of his practice and the amount of peer awards he has received. Darrin is an accomplished marathoner, tri athlete and ultra endurance athlete. What is most impressive to me about Darrin is his unbelievable passion to serve, assist and heal fellow athletes. He lives his practice. To have your doctor passionate about your sport gives patients the comfort that he will find a way to get you safely back to your training schedule. He understands that athletes, no matter their shape or size simply want to be athletes.

When your feet hit the starting line on May 7th, you can rest assured that Darrin and his team have put in the countless hours to prepare for this event and will do everything in their power to get you safely to the finish line.

Thanks Darrin.

When we started The Capital City Half Marathon in 2004 we had a vision for creating a world class event in this world class city. That said, it is a huge testament to our community that in just 8 years we have built a truly regional event with over $5 Million annually in visitor spending.

Columbus, Ohio is a vibrant city with a tremendous running and walking community and a Mayor and City leaders committed to the active healthy lifestyle.

Our pre race health and fitness party takes place on May 5th and 6th in the recently renovated Battelle Hall in downtown Columbus. The party is located next door to the Hyatt and just a few blocks from the Marriott. Both are walking distance from the start and finish line.

If you are traveling from out of town, make sure you make your reservations at one of our host hotels now. Race registration is on record pace and the hotel rooms are filling up just as fast.

Columbus is truly a Champion City. Have you been to Columbus recently? Check out our travel page. The race course starts and finishes in the vibrant Arena District. You tour the "high five miles" that connect countless experiences on Columbus' historic High Street. An essential part of the Columbus experience, the city's distinctive districts are full of fun things to see and our course highlights all of them.

Facebook has become an important part of the M3S events. We communicate race information, training tips and more.

Make sure you like the Cap City page has its own Facebook page to get important race information, get weather updates and get savings from our partners and stay in touch with what is going on in the running and walking community.

This year's event is shaping up to be something special. Our entire team and all of our partners are excited for the 8th Anniversary of the Capital City Half Marathon.

David