For Immediate Release
Friday, November 19, 2010
Contact: Kelly, 252-619-9037
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Copy by Kelly Byrd
Nags Head, NC
Runners from across the country descended upon the Outer Banks over Veterans Day weekend for the 5th annual Outer Banks Marathon. High winds and rain plaguing the area throughout the week were gracious enough to dissipate in time to welcome thousands of runners and spectators. With over 7,000 participants, the 5 year anniversary marked record numbers for registration. Organizers attribute the scenic course and mild weather for the increase in popularity. Mile 1 through 26.2 offered runners a chance to navigate neighborhoods, historic landmarks, wooded nature preserve and the not so popular bridge leading to Manteo. The fast paced terrain gave elite runners an opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon and novice runners an opportunity to get their feet wet with distances ranging from the 1 mile Fun Run to the full marathon.
Things got under way Friday with the opening of the Expo. The air was thick with anticipation and excitement as runners filled Dare County Parks and Rec to pick up race packets and last minute essentials. There’s something to be said for receiving your T-shirt prior to running. Do you wear the shirt before or after you finish? Maybe you keep the shirt and forget the race? Most agree the medal is the real reason to go the distance. Saturday morning came early for participants in the 5k, 8k, 1 mile Fun Run & Diaper Dash. The crisp autumn air made for ideal conditions. Runners of all ages filled the track at First Flight Middle School as they prepared to face their challenge. The children beamed from ear to ear as they crossed the finish to parents filled with pride. The cool weather was responsible for many personal best finishing times. For those brave enough to take on the challenge runs (combining the 5k or 8k with the marathon or half marathon), Sunday morning would be a rude awakening.
The cattle call summoning runners to their corral didn’t come soon enough for those anxious to get things under way. The morning air was brisk as the sun made its way through the clouds. Half Marathoners started ahead of their counterparts in Kitty Hawk, offering them an opportunity to beat elite marathoners to the finish. Unfortunately, anyone running over a 2:20 half would be lapped by the cream of the crop marathoner. No matter where you landed in the pack, well wishers could be heard cheering runners by name, thanks to the ever popular personalized race bib.
Many local organizations sponsored aide stations along the way. The team from Village Realty went the extra mile providing runners with music, refreshments and their very own squad of cheerleaders. They donned specially made pirate t-shirts, dancing and singing to the lyrics of the “YMCA” by The Village People. “I think we played that song about 20 times, quipped Maslin Seal, a Village Realty team member. “Some of them looked like they had practiced ahead of time!” Not only did the Village Realty team unite on the sidelines, VP Dorie Fuller andBroker Matt Whelan ran the Half Marathon and First Colony Inn innkeeper Sarah Close and Broker Caroline Basnight ran the entire race. As one runner said later; “It was a great day all around. Seeing the kids at the Village Realty station wearing the pirate t-shirts and cheeering for us while they played music was motivational and inspiriational."
If you envision marathon runners as an over zealous group of athletes in running tights, think again. Organizers encouraged participants to bring out their inner pirate by dressing the part. Onlookers were treated to costumes ranging from Wonder Woman, to pirate garb and even full military gear as a tribute to Wounded Warriors.
As the pack made their way towards the finish, the bypass became a dumping ground for excess clothing. Many, not expecting such warmer weather, had to be treated for dehydration. Crossing the finish line brought the day to a close as runners completed a distance less than 2% of the population will ever experience. After a long weekend, the Marathon Village after party offered a chance to kick back, listen to live music, enjoy a bite to eat and if one were so advantageous, dance. In the spirit of “truth is stranger than fiction,” it’s worth mentioning that most runners sign up for their next race within a week of completing a half or full marathon.
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