We are in the final countdown! There are less than 750 entries left. 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.

We are 12 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 in the next few days for the 3rd year in a row. REGISTER NOW!

Get ready for the best tour of Columbus on two feet. As many of you know, I train for Cap City, even though I can't run with you. I had a tremendous long run this Saturday. I ran the paths around Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. It has been over a year since I have run that path. It is amazing how much you see when you are on a new route and start looking around.

The Columbus Dispatch had a great article on Sunday titled "Running can open your eyes to new cites." Here is a great quote: " ...[Running] immerses me in the unfamiliar. I catch the City's play in progress. A walking tour is similar but not quite the same...When I run, it's just me and my running gear. The simplicity encourages me to be present in the moment."

On Race day, enjoy the tour. As essential part of the Columbus experience, the city's distinctive districts are full of fun things to see and do and the Capital City Half Marathon Course highlights all of them - especially the "High Five Miles" the connect countless experiences on Columbus' historic high street.

Get ready to "see" Columbus and immerse yourself in the unfamiliar.

Giddy up,

David

Have you checked out the new course video?

With Cap City growing into one of the largest events in the region, event weekend can become a bit overwhelming. Here are a few that will help you plan for a remarkable experience.

In 2011, there are a number of new changes you need to make sure you understand:

1. GET YOUR BIB NUMBER - For fastest packet pick-up at the expo, go to the confirm your registration and get your bib number, check your estimated Finishing Time, corral and t-shirt size. Remember that any new corral changes will now be handled at the "Solutions Area" at the Health and Fitness Expo. If you have any registration questions prior to the expo, you may email us at info@m3ssports.com.

2. Use the MIT Pace Team: The MIT Pacers will be in each corral and will be easily identifiable. The pacer will keep a steady pace that takes additional stree off you - no starting off too fast. Advice and encouragement are the benefits to running with the pacers. Pacers are experienced runners (many are coaches) who want to give back to the running community - it is a voluntary position so they are here to share their love for the sport and help the runner achieve their goals. Pacers will help keep the runner motivated through conversation, stories, and/or sage advice. Lastly, it is fun to run with a group and meet others who share your goals! The MIT pacers will be conducting the following pace groups for the half: 1:45 finish (8 minute pace); 1:50 finish (8:25 pace); 2:00 finish (9:10 pace); 2:05 finish (9:30 pace); 2:15 finish (10:18 pace); 2:20 finish (10:45 pace); 2:25 finish (11:00 pace); 2:30 finish (11:30 pace); 2:40 finish (12:13 pace); and 2:50 finish (12:59 pace).

The Pace Leaders will assemble in the corrals and will be holding their pace sign with the expected finish time and will be wearing pacing shirts. At 15 minutes before the race they will let runners know how they will handle water stops - this is the time that runners can ask last minute questions.

3. Check the Weather Forecast - Keep checking the weather forecast for Columbus at Weather Underground or other weather sites and plan to bring running clothes for a rage of weather conditions.

4. Flag Warning System - We have devised a flag warning system to communicate race conditions to participants on the course. Look for the color of the flag at each aid station.

Green Flag - Everything is normal.

Yellow Flag - The heat index is at a point that participants should slow down and drink plenty of water.

Red Flag - The Weather is dangerous and lightning may be in the area. Timing of the event has stopped. Participants should seek shelter.

5. TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF PARKING. All of the parking for the event will be at the garages and lots in the Arena District. Make sure you get there early and prepay your parking.

6. Are you ready for the Byers Import's Xtra Mile Post Race Party? The Michelob Ultra Finish Line Concert will feature SWAGG and you are in for a treat. From Yellowtail Bubbles sparkling wine, dark chocolate form Chocoholique and the Michelob Ultra Beer garden, this is a finish line Celebration fit for a Champion like you!

7. Race Day Start Times

7:30 a.m. Mascot Chase Starts

8:00 a.m. Half Marathon,Quarter Marathon and 5k Start Times.

9:00 a.m. Finish Line Party Starts.

12:00 Noon - Finish Line Closes.

1:00 p.m. - Finish Line Party Ends.

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.

The Diamond Cellar and Tag Heuer Present "The Ultimate Finisher's Medal". As you prepare for the Capital City Half Marathon tell us "WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF" and be registered to win a men's or lady's TAG Heuer timepiece. We have heard an incredible amount of inspirational stories this year and Tag Heuer is looking for two participants with inspiring stories to award with these amazing timepieces. Tell you story on the Diamond Cellar Facebook page to be eligible to win.

Make sure you join us on Thursday, May 5th at 6pm at The Health & Fitness Expo Party for the first ever Panel Of Champions. Join 10tv's Andrea Cambern as she hosts Michael Doss, OSU National Champion and Superbowl Champion; Stephanie Hightower, Track Champion, Kent Mercker, World Series Champion, Danny O'Rourke, MLS Champion & National Champion; Katie Smith, OSU, ABL & WNWB Champion Jerry DePizzo, of O.A.R., Platinum Recording Artist Anthony Schlegel, National Champion; and Heavyweight Champion Buster Douglas as they come out to Celebrate You and tell you what it took them to become Champions!

Jerry Depizzo from O.A.R. will play the National Anthem on his Sax at 7:55 race morning. This is a photo of him playing it at Fenway Park.

The Byers Import's Xtra Mile Finish Line Party and Michelob Ultra Post Race Concert will be a huge celebration of the Active Lifestyle. The Michelob Ultra Post Race Concert is headlined by SWAGG, one of our favorite party bands. The party includes Donatos Pizza, Le Chocoholique Chocolate, Yellow Tail Bubbles Sparkling Wine, the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden and much more. This will be a tremendous Finish Line Celebration!

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 Facebook page to get important race information, weather updates and get savings from our partners and stay in touch with what is going on in the running and walking community.

David