I came across this article about Joseph Tame, 33, who completed an “online” marathon in Tokyo last week.  He ran the race in 6 hours and 28 minutes.  The first thing I thought was, “He could have probably run the race in 6 hours without all that junk strapped to him.”  He had 4 iPhones in his contraption:  1 pointed at his face, 1 at the pavement in front of him, another using the GPS feature so people could track his progress, and a 4th for typing out tweets.  Oh, and there was an iPad on his back displaying his tweets, seems only natural.  He said, “It’s citizen broadcasting.  Can we take live sports events coverage to the next level?”  He had 3,000 people following his progress at one point so apparently there is some demand for this type of media, but were people really watching his race or his gimmick.  Joseph was also wearing bright pink plastic toy windmills on his helmet and pink bunnies on his sneakers which had nothing to with the run or his broadcast.  So I began to think, is there a market for this?  Do people want to watch races?  Are competitive runners willing to strap on gadgets so we can watch what they see and feel during a race?  We know Joseph said he won’t do it again, that 10 pounds of gear was too much for him!  Good idea dropping the equipment, maybe you can finish under the 6 hour mark next time.

I recently met a very good ultra runner who takes video of his races and shares them online.  He said, “I usually finish in the top 10 but I’m never going to win a race, those guys are on a whole other level, so I figure it doesn’t hurt me too much if I stop and pull out the camera for a bit.”  I see his point, I’m in the same boat, I’m never going to win a race, but I still want to try to get 2nd or 3rd.  If I stopped to pull my camera out it would really slow down my efforts.  If I’m unwilling to do it I assume most competitive runners feel the same way.  In addition, do people really like to watch a video of a race?  I assume there is a reason why there are as many races televised as bowling tournaments.  I know a lot of runners like to share their race recaps on blogs and other places online, but do other people like to read them who don’t have any relation to the runner?  Dailymile.com has been able to bridge this gap by combining “friendships” with running feats, but does anyone ever search for a race recap?  My experience has been no; that’s why I stopped writing race recaps. However, I have found that people want information about races, it’s just usually before buying a race entry, but not after the race.  Oh yeah, and they don’t care that I got tired at mile 5, so I ate one gel, then I stepped in some mud…

I mean, I’m a 21st century digital boy, but I hate trail running with any unnecessary gear strapped on.  I don’t trail run with an iPod, iPhone, shirt ( if temp above freezing), or even water belt (if under 20 mile run).  However, I do run with a GPS watch so I can make up my path as I run.  I guess that’s the point, I trail run to be free to roam where I want to and get away from my digital life.  I run to clear my mind and don’t want an iPod blasting noise into my head.  I trail run to get away from my cell phone.  My voicemail message actually used to say, “I’m probably on a run right now…” because 90% of the time that was true.  Running was the only time I was away from it!  Trail Running is about connecting with nature and the enviroment and I find it difficult to do so if I’m connected to anything else at the time.  I can’t even imagine what it would be like tweeting while running!

Overall, I would watch elite runners if they were to broadcast themselves running a race, but I understand why they wouldn’t want to strap a camera to their head.  I definitely have no interest in watching someone trudge along at a 14 minute mile pace for 26.2 miles and think many other runners would agree with me.  Maybe we could get some cameras mounted in trees or something, until then I guess we’ll just have to watch more bowling…

In the past week I have received an email from two different races promoting their new VIP sections, Publix Georgia Marathon (formerly the ING Georgia Marathon) and the P.F. Chang’s Rock N’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon.  At first I thought this was a good way for races to increase revenue, but then I began to think is it really necessary?  Aren’t we all runners and deserve the same amenities on race day?  Everyone runs the same distance and endures the same amount of pain after a race.  That’s what makes runners such a tightly connected group.  Why would a race want to break up the comradery of runners?  Why wouldn’t the race just improve its overall experience for all runners and attract more participants rather than charge more for a more comfortable race?  Maybe it’s because the race logistically sucks.  Read my race recap of the 2009 ING Georgia Marathon to see what I mean.  I know I’d probably be willing to pay for the VIP at this race, but that doesn’t make it right.

Here’s what you really get for the $75 VIP charge:

• Express Packet Pick-up Line at the Expo: This race requires everyone to go to the Expo to pick up their race number.  Why?  Because they want you to buy products from the vendor booths they charge to be there.  If they would just mail race numbers instead of forcing runners to attend the Expo, then there wouldn’t be a need for express packet pick-up.
• Reserved Race Day Parking Next to Centennial Olympic Park: If you read my race recap, I was late being dropped off to the race because of the traffic.  Then after the race I had to walk a mile back to my ride’s car because that was the closest he was able to park.  However, I don’t blame the race organizers on this, more so Atlanta’s horrible mass transit system.  There is a subway station at the start/finish which should alleviate traffic, but the problem is that the subway stations are not very convenient to where most people live and are coming from.
• Private Restrooms: I would pay good money for this; however, shouldn’t the race organizers already have enough restrooms available?  All it takes is ordering more port-a-lets.  Its easy to estimate how many people will need to use the restroom, it’s exactly the same as the number of participants.
• Private Gear Check: The gear check before was just a tent to put bags under.  Anyone could have taken your bag or stuff so the rule of thumb here is to not bring anything you don’t want possibly stolen.  So unless you are carrying your sweaty socks and underwear in a Gucci bag then this isn’t necessary.
• Pre-race Continental Breakfast: Who eats right before they run a race?  I guess you could show up to the race 3 hours early, but then you wouldn’t need the reserved VIP race day parking space…
• Free Post Race Massages: Wasn’t this always free?  Race organizers don’t even pay for this service, massage therapist do it for free to promote their business.  Just contact more massage therapist in the area so there isn’t a long wait.
• Post Race Buffet: Isn’t Publix the headlining sponsor?  Shouldn’t this be free anyway?
• Printable Results Available Immediately Post Race: How about automating posting results online so I can view my results on my smartphone?  I’ve seen smaller races have results and print them out within minutes of finishing.  The finishing times are all automated, so where’s the race organizers digital follow through?
• Access to dedicated VIP Area located in the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce near the Finish Line: Is this some sort of club that politicians hang out at or something?

The P.F. Chang’s Rock N’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon call their VIP area “The Zone.”  It gives you private transport to the start line, private parking area, fluid replacement drink, sunscreen, body glide, safety pins, and free gloves.  Really, they don’t provide safety pins for your race bib unless you are very important?  I guess everyone carrying their race bib as they run aren’t VI.  Why not just give them a scarlet letter to hold onto as well?

Overall I can’t blame these race organizers for trying to increase revenue; race organizers would operate at a huge financial loss if they actually paid the thousands of people who volunteer to help execute the event.  In this economy major sponsors are spending less money on event marketing and people are less willing to pay high race fees.  However, more people have begun running because of the poor economy.  Therefore, the solve of lost revenue from race organizers shouldn’t be VIP treatment at higher prices, it should be to increase volume of participants with better amenities and a lower prices.  I understand that there are capacity constraints because roads can only hold so many runners, but race organizers could spread out the operating time of the race; it’s not like they are paying race volunteers by the hour.  With more start waves, spread farther apart, it would also alleviate having to provide adequate amenities for 50,000 people all at one time, thus overall race experience would improve.

I understand that race organizers need to make money, but I don’t think it should be at the expense of improving their race.  Increase the pie, not your slice of runners.

It’s another season of trail running races in Georgia for 2011 and Dirty Spokes Productions along with XTERRA have some great trail races coming up soon.  Start the new year off on the right foot, toeing the line at the 1st Annual Dirty Spokes 8.0 Mile Trail Running Race at Heritage Park on February 5th or the classic 5th Annual XTERRA Thrills in the Hills at Fort Yargo State Park half-marathon.

The Dirty Spokes Trail Run Series begins this year at the 1st Annual Dirty Spokes 8.0 Mile Trail Running Race at Heritage Park in Watkinsville, GA or also known as Farmington, GA, on February 5th.  I’m not quite sure which town is the suburb of which town.  At any rate, these are some pretty sweet mountain biking, horseback riding (watch where you step!), and of course trail running trails, ranked #12 trail running trail in Georgia by SeriousRunning.com users.  Dirty Spokes says about the race:  ‘This is a great single and double track off road running experience!  The race will start on the gravel road (required for spacing) but will soon lead into the woods.  The terrain is made up of a little big of everything, rolling hills, single track, double track, technical section (rocks, roots and tight twisty sections), creek crossings (shallow and narrow).  If you have never visited Heritage Park – do it!  The course is beautiful and offers something for every runner truly wishing to ‘ditch the city.’  Nestled in the woods of suburban Atlanta lies a true gem.  Well groomed system of trails with gentile slopes and beautiful scenery will leave you breathless (if that doesn’t, the 8.0 miles will).  Once you descend into the woods, you forget about the city.  As a matter of fact, you will come t o know why we follow the creed ‘ditch the city.”

The race is on February 5th starting at 8:30 with packet pick-up between 7:00 and 8:00.  Register now until January 25th race entry is $30.00.  After that the price rises to $35.00 with $40.00 fee at race day.  Each runner will get a “Dri-Fit” shirt but there is no guaranteed for late entries.  Medals will be given out to the top three finishers in each age and sex category.  This is sure to be a great race and become a Dirty Spokes tradition.  Get in on the 1st Annual action!

After you get the trail racing taste in your mouth try the next XTERRA Georgia trail race series race Thrills in the Hills.  This is my favorite trail race in the series.  It’s at Fort Yargo State Park which is rated as the #2 best trail in the United States according to SeriousRunning.com users.  There are 21K and a 42K race distances available.  Register now through February 18th for the 21K distance for $35.00, after that it’s $40.00 until February 24th, then $45.00 on race day.  The 42K is $45.00 from now until February 18th, $50.00 after that until February 24th, and $55.00 on race day.  Register here!  New to this year, Firehouse Subs of Winder will be giving away free subs to all participants of the race!  Subs are my favorite food after a trail race for sure.  If you want to read more about the race check out my race recap of the 2009 Thrills in the Hills trail race.  Or check out more 2011 trail races in Georgia.

This past weekend the 2010 XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Thrills in the Hills at Ft. Yargo Park in Winder, GA was ran.  450 runners from 16 states showed up for the event!  It was beautiful weather for trail running, a vast difference, from the sloppy, muddy fun of last year’s Thrills in the Hills trail race.  This year also introduced the first marathon distance trail run in the XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series!  Check out the over 200 photos from the event on our Facebook fan page.  You just may be pictured if you were there traversing the course!

If you weren’t in the front of the pack and missed it, Errol Josephs, 40, of Lawrenceville, Georgia won the marathon distance with a time of 3:31:58.  Amanda Holshausen, 37, all the way from McCordsville, Indiana, beat all females in the marathon with a time of 3:45:03 and placing 6th overall!  David Bell, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia won the half marathon distance with a time of 1:18:00.  Elena Linn, 24, of Marietta, GA won the half marathon distance with a time of 1:32:13.  All the runners did a great job.  There is one more race in the six race series on June 5th, the XTERRA Georgia Trail Race Deep South.  This is the last race of the season.  Congratulations to everyone who has participated!

Don’t forget to check and see if you made our Facebook fans page photos!

The Biz Runner wrote about an article in the New York Times named, “Plodders Have a Place, but Is It in a Marathon?”  The article brings up the fact that Marathon times have become higher, which has diluted the accomplishment of finishing a marathon for all runners, no matter what time they finish with.  They have said that slow runners have disrespected the distance and have ruined the marathon’s mystique.  Here’s a solution, if you think running a marathon isn’t as big of an accomplishment anymore, run a 50K.  Problem solved.

Actually, not problem solved.  Chris Burch, race director of the Des Moines Marathon told the New York Times, “For every race director, there’s a very fine line between putting on a community event and putting on a race.”  Marathons take a lot of capital to be run successfully; therefore, you have to appeal to all types of runners, both the racers and community runners.  So how do you make a race attractive to all runners while not diluting the accomplishment for the more experienced runners?

The Berlin Marathon solution is to put the responsibility of finishing the race on their entrants.  They tell them before they sign up that they must run the race at a minimum pace.  Then during the race, the Berlin Marathon sends out a team running at that pace.  Anyone that falls behind that team will be asked to leave the race course.  This solves both problems, you get the entry fees of the slower runners, while enforcing the measure of accomplishment for finishing your event.

The Biz Runner pointed out that the longer runners are on the course, the more costs incurred to race directors for police on the streets, race workers, to pay the city to close the streets for the race, which can be the largest fixed cost to race directors, and much more.  His solution is to incrementally increase marathon runners entry fee based on time; going as far as to suggest billing your credit card based on your official finishing time.  But at what time do you start increasing fees?  He suggested the Oprah line; to increase fees incrementally starting at Oprah’s finish of 4:29:15 in the Marine Corps marathon in 1994.  The Oprah line is set at 4:30:00.  Are you above or below the Oprah line?

While the Oprah line may be a great way to make a goal time, it may not be the best way to charge slower runners higher fees.  If race directors increased fees based on performance, I believe it should be more standardized and mitigated for race conditions.  Also, there should be a flat fee in order to be fair, letting runners know exactly what costs they may incur from running at a slower pace.  This can be done very easily using a bell shaped curve.  Race directors can take the mean marathon race time, then take two standard deviations to the right of the mean in order to encompass the top 97.7% finishing times of their marathon participants.  The bottom 2.3% of runners are often outliers in which the variable cost incurred from each minute slower is exponential.  A race director could be paying for 2-3 extra hours of race time for only 2.3% of all participants!  These runners should be asked to pay a higher entry fee to pay for this extra cost, instead of it being covered with all runners race fees, no matter how long they use the race course.  Also, by charging these runners more, less of them will elect to run the race unless they are serious about it, making the accomplishment of finishing your race more desirable.  Of course, you will always have 2.3% of your customers unhappy that they have to pay extra to run your race, but they are the ones using your product, a marathon race, more than the others customers.

Runners are runners and all should be able to try to reach a goal of finishing a marathon; however, some may need to re-think signing up for a large, expensive marathon if their time is in the bottom 2.3% of all runners.  They should try running 26.2 miles on their own first to see if they fall in that lower category of runners.  You don’t need a race to accomplish your goal of running a marathon.

I came across this event, the Windstopper TrailRun WorldMasters, in which mountain runners, trail runners, marathon runners, and ultra runners will come together for a 3 day competition with each day’s event being a race of varying distances and difficulty.  The 3 day race will cover a total of 57 Kilometers (it’s being held in Dortmund, Germany hence kilometers).  This event brought up a question, ‘What type of runners are the fittest athletes?’  Sure we are all serious runners, but most runners prefer one type of running over the others.  For me, I prefer Trail Running.  Why?  Because I’m so extreme.

So how can you judge these types of runners against each other?  What is the one standard race that is an equal playing field.  I’m not sure, but The Windstopper TrailRun WorldMasters is attempting to do it with a 4.5 kilometer (2.79617 miles) sprint race on Friday.  Then a long distance run of 34 kilometers (21.1266 miles) with a vertical distance of 710 meters on Saturday.  Ending with a final stage on Sunday of 19.9 kilometers (12.3652 miles) with a vertical distance of 315 meters.  These varying distances make the playing field somewhat even.  Let’s analyze how each type of runner may react to find out who the most fit runners are!

Mountain Runners: This group may be very well suited for this competition because of the vertical climbs in the last two stages of the race.  Also, Germany may attract a lot more Mountain Runners because of the sports popularity in Europe so the event may get some very elite Mountain Runners.  However, the sprint on Friday is going to very tough for these runners.  They are used to grinding it out up a mountain, walking when necessary; however, mountain runners do have the leg strength needed to run fast in shorter distances.  Look for Mountain Runners to do very well overall in this competition.

Trail Runners: Trail Running is such a broad and diverse sport that it will do well in this competition of varying distances and terrain.  Trail Runners must have the ability to run any distance for competition from 5Ks to Marathon distances.  With the distances of this competition mirroring those of what a typical Trail Runner may see in a season gives them a great chance in the finishing very high overall.  Likewise, all of the races in this competition will be on trails which will obviously be in Trail Runners’ favor.  One concern for Trail Runners is that over three days their bodies may get tired.  Often trail runners are not able to run on trails everyday so they must mix in some road running.  The wear and tear from running over rugged terrain for three days straight as well as two back to back longer races could prove exhausting for trail runners; however, the half marathon distance on the last day is definitely something that most Trail Runners would be able to push through if exhausted.

Marathon Runners: While these runners tend to be in overall great shape they run predominantly on the road.  Running on trails and over large amounts of elevation is not what they are trained for.  Also, the competitive aspect of trail running and road racing are quite different which will hurt Marathon runners in this competition.  With only one race being close to the marathon distance, I don’t expect Marathon Runners to fair very well against the rest of the competition overall.

Ultra Runners: Ultra Runners will do great over the three day period because of their endurance; however, but they will not have the speed to compete with the leaders of any of the events.  They will not do well in the first day sprint as their body has not been trained for this distance.  The second day marathon distance will obviously favor marathon runners and is still too short of a run for these endurance athletes.  Lastly, on the third day they will not have a fast enough pace for the half marathon.  Sorry Ultra Runners, but you just aren’t fast enough.

If I were a betting man, which I am, I would bet on an elite Trail Runner to win this competition.  Trail Running are so utility.  They can do everything well.

A friend of mine sent me this article in the Wall Street Journal about Americans losing ground to Kenyan runner’s in the International running scene and how Kara Goucher’s different approach to training is helping her get back into the International competition.  She’s just gripping it and ripping it.  Like Hanzel in Zoolander said, “For me, it’s just the way I live my life.  I grip it and I rip it.”  Very well thought out words Hanzel.  That is essentially what Kara Goucher is doing.  Kara doesn’t run for distance or time when training.  She just goes for a run twice a day and runs as fast and as far as she is feeling that day.  She just grips it and rips it.

I honestly don’t understand all of the heart monitor, pace setting, caloric in-taking regulation people have in their training.  I want to run as fast as I feel I can run, why do I need to have a heart monitor?  I know how my body is feeling.  Likewise, why would I want to shoot for a certain pace in a run?  What if I’m feeling better than usual, do I have to hold back to stay at that pace.  I start all of my races a little faster than I think my overall race pace is going to be just in case I’m able to hold that faster pace.  Maybe I’ll be able to hold it the whole time or maybe I’ll get tired, so I’ll slow down a bit.  And why would I watch all of the calories I intake?  I eat enough to fulfill my hunger.  My hunger is based off of how many calories I have burned in relation to what my body thinks it is going to need to get it to the next time I eat.  I’ve been judging how hungry I am my whole life!  Why would I want to track it now?  However, I do know that I have to eat healthy, but “healthy” is a broad term.  Whatever it is you do to try to “pace” yourself or not “over do it,” try not doing that.  Just grip it and rip it, rock with the feel, and go with your own flow.

When racing you want to race like the Kenyans who “enjoy the battle” or Kara who says, “Sometimes we get obsessed with time.  You can’t win a race like that.”  She’s right, you can’t, because the race is not about time.  It’s about you against the other runners, all you need to do to win is run faster than them, it’s that simple.  As far as your race against the course, you should know the route and know what to expect, but you shouldn’t think about specifics, just what the overall layout is in relation to how you are feeling.  Remember, it’s all about feeling.

So be like Kara Goucher and feel your run.  It feels good don’t it?  Oh yeah.

This post was contributed by Kelsey Allen, who writes about the nursing schools online. She welcomes your feedback at KelseyAllen1010@yahoo.com.

Training to run a marathon is a pinnacle point in your life when you develop the ability to pace yourself as well as motivate yourself to gain the stamina needed to run the 26.2 miles that are required of you.  Running a marathon is no easy feat and can take years to completely train for, but the end result is worth it in so many ways.  Pushing your body in that way can be highly rewarding as you have never been pushed to that extent before.

The United States has become known as the obese capital of the world which is a title we have yet to completely shake off since there are more and more documentaries coming out about our constant struggle with obesity.  Americans’  ability to get off their couches to go out and train for a marathon is a remarkable change from the previous stipulation that all Americans are “lazy couch potatoes”.  While most winners in major marathons hail from countries in Africa that are notorious for distance runners such as Kenya and Ethiopia, there are still a great many runners who end up in the top 10 that are from the area.  The concept of the marathon run dates from the fabled run of the Greek soldier Phidippides who was a messenger from the Battle of Marathon, taking a message to Athens.  His role was to announce that the Persians had been defeated, with the legend stating that he ran the entire distance without stopping.  While Phidippides collapsed and died after exclaiming the news to Athens, he set the standard for the run.  With the length of the route being approximately 26 miles, this thus became the standard for the distance within the modern marathon.

The advent of the modern Olympic games at the turn of the 20th century paved the way for the popularity of the marathon run, as this became a featured sport within the Olympics.  Since this time, the marathon run has become a worldwide event, with major cities like London, Berlin, and Boston featuring many of the top runners within their races.  The top ten list of marathon runners mostly hail from Kenya and Ethiopia, with 10^th place going to runner from Morocco.  While you typically will not reach this time when running your first marathon (near 2 hours), the fact that you can even finish a marathon is more rewarding than you know.  Training for a marathon takes a lot of stamina and endurance, as well as continuous motivation to keep increasing your route every day, but as soon as you cross that finish line you are able to realize how worthwhile it is at the end.

I’ve heard enough.  I saw it referenced on a couple of blogs and then on Twitter, but last night at the beginning of a group run someone started discussing this article in the Wall Street Journal written by Reed Albergotti titled, “Fast Times for Jobless Runners.”  Reed must have read the SeriousRunning.com blog on February 21st titled, “NYC Marathon Race Entry Fees Increase:  Running is Recession Proof” where I analyzed why Marathons are recession proof and why there have been more entries in this down economy when I stated:

“…a lot of people have more time to train now that they do not have jobs or are working less because the economy is slow.  What a perfect time to attain that goal you’ve always wanted to do.”

I’m so quotable that I quote myself.  Now I know SeriousRunning.com blog is not mainstream media, but I run down main street baby, and know the pulse of America.  Honestly, no one runs down Wall Street, running on gold sidewalks is terrible for your joints.  SeriousRunning.com serves a cult of readers that are intelligent, inquisitive, interesting, and in-tertaining.  How’s that for a little alliteration Mr. Probably Majored in English at some Private University…Street Journal?  Well I majored in Economics with an emphasis in deductive reasoning.  That’s how I determined that more people were running marathons in this bad economy because of job losses.  I know, I didn’t interview three people and get one statistic that said marathon race times are increasing, so irresponsible of me.  I’m just a blog, I’m not required to name my expert sources such as “Ray Gobis” or “Zach Goldman.”  Honestly though Reed, you don’t think the fact that marathon entries have gone up is a sign that more people are running marathons?  You’re right, it’s probably too directly related.  Maybe a statistic like this one from Running USA, the leader in statistics about the business running which states, “Record number of U.S. marathons with 1,000 finishers or more; ING New York City again the largest ever; record 19 marathons worldwide with over 10,000 finishers” would work for you.  Whatever though, quantifying statements is so time consuming.

At any rate, since I started this idea and discussion about jobless marathon runners, I’m going to take it one step further and finish it:  People who run long distances such as marathons are typically more wealthy than the general population; therefore, when they lose their job they can take time to accomplish other goals before immediatley seeking new employment.  Since statistics are apparently the “in” thing right now and I don’t have three random people to interview like Reed did, I researched the demographics of marathonguide.com users.  As you can see about 70% of visitors (also known as marathon runners) are over 35, have a college education or higher, and make over 60K a year.  Professionals that are old enough to have built enough wealth to not have to jump right into another job and also have enough education to be confident that they will find employment when they are ready to seek it.  That’s why there are more marathon runners in this poor economy.  Now, that’s what I call investigative journalism.  Actually I didn’t have to investigate too much, marathonguide.com and SeriousRunning.com’s demographics are almost identical which gives more validity to this statistic.  I feel so validated.

Honestly, all in all, decent article Reed.  I’m just jealous that even though we may have the same ideas and I plug away day after day researching and writing about all things running, you write one article and your ideas get talked about and discussed 100 times more because of the broader reach you have in the Wall Street Journal.  It’s ok though, I do it for the people.  I’m kind of like the Robin Hood of running.  Come run in my hood sometime Mr. Fancy Pants Reed Albergotti!

The Teton Dam Marathon and Races will be held on June 13th in Rexburg, Idaho this year.  Why June 13th?  Well, the event is scheduled every year around the anniversary of the Teton Dam breaking which caused over 500 million dollars in damage, 11 lives lost, and thousands to become homeless.  This horrible event was a very difficult challenge for the Rexburg community to overcome.  They worked together, built the community back up, and are stronger now because of it.  The Teton Dam Marathon and Races are a showing of a thousand runners who flood the streets for their own personal challenges!  What an inspirational reason to challenge yourself to participate in this great event!  Need another reason to feel good about yourself?  How about that a portion of the proceeds is also going to benefit Cysitic Fibrosis Fondation?  Still need another reason to feel good about yourself?  Well, you are helping me achieve me goals by reading this blog.  Thank you.  Need another reason?!  Um…ok, now you’re just being needy.

The Teton Dam Marathon and Races include a marathon (that’s why it is in the name of the event), 6 man marathon relay, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1 mile fun run for the kids.  See, there’s a race fit for everyone!  The marathon and relay will start at the Historical Teton Dam Site, outside of Rexburg. The half and 10K will start at the north-west corner of Smith Park. The 5K will start at the corner of Madison Ave. and 1st North, ½ a block from Smith Park. The fun run will start at the south-west corner of Smith Park.  Overall, all races will run the streets of beautiful Rexburg ending in the Southwest corner of Smith Park.  Party at the EXPO at the finish line with booths from sponsors and local businesses, crafts, food, and music!  Not to mention a large group of homestretch hereos, the citizens and volunteers of the Rexburg community!

So come and travel to this great race with a small town, community feel with an exciting large race atmosphere!  Early Registration ends May 31st.  From June 1st-10th all entries have an added $15 fee so get on it now.  The marathon is $40 dollars to $3 to the kids one mile fun run.  Check out the prices and find which race is best for you!  FYI The Potato Bake Dinner ticket is free only with the marathon, half-marathon, and relay entries.  Participate in the Potato Bake Dinner and meet other runners, pick-up your packet, listen to race information, and watch a video about the historic breaking of the Teton Dam.  What better way to get motivated to achieve your personal best than an inspirational film and plenty of carbs?!  Nothing.  Be Dam Proud!