The fall racing season is in full swing and avid runners are gearing up for the upcoming third annual Morgan Hill Marathon and Half on Oct. 28.
Because we live in a beautiful, scenic area, training for this special event is a privilege. The crisp fall weather is ideal for long runs on weekends and track workouts during the week.
New to this year’s format is a 5K race, added to the menu for anyone not quite ready to take on a full marathon or half, or is a newbie to running. Whatever the reason, the 5K is a perfect addition to this local event.
The start line for all distances is at the Centennial Recreational Center – 171 West Edmundson Avenue. It’s best to get there pretty early since parking is limited at the CRC due to the set up of the race. The 26.2 and 13.1 races begin at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K at 7:45 a.m. All distances finish at the CRC.
South Valley Endurance (SVE) is working hard with the City of Morgan Hill to make the Morgan Hill Marathon a wonderful experience for everyone. I did the 13.1-miler last year and loved the bucolic backdrop mile after mile. My favorite part was running the hills near the reservoir. SVE picked a great course. It beats a city road race any day of the year.
One of the nice features of the Morgan Hill Marathon is the crew of volunteers. Without them, the race would be a disaster. Behind the scenes, the volunteers make the experience enjoyable for both the race director and the runners. Morgan Hill resident Jody McRoberts is the volunteer coordinator and a member of the South Valley Running Club.
“It’s rewarding to know that the work I am doing is helping to make this big event run smoothly. It’s great to see everything come together on race day,” McRoberts said. “South Valley Endurance does a great job with their events. They treat the runners and the volunteers well. Even the volunteers get food on race day. Once again, it will be yummy burritos. They don’t cut corners, and I think the runners really appreciate that.”
The Morgan Hill Marathon is part of the California Marathon Series and participants get special medals. If you ran either the Pleasanton Half Marathon, Norcal Half Marathon or 5K or both and plan to do the Morgan Hill Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K, you need to register with SVE to receive one.
Many fun things are planned for this race, including the finish line festival with delicious, hot Mexican food and other healthy goodies for the participants.
The slots in all distances are filling up so don’t wait until the last minute to sign up. Go to www.mhmarathon.com to register.
The 2011 event attracted 2,100 runners – including runners from Ireland, France, Kenya and Ethiopia – and SVE’s Greg Richards said he predicts to have between 2,200 and 2,300 this time.
Last year Jose Morales of Turlock won the 26.2 in 2 hours, 29 minutes, 59 seconds, and Suet-Fei Li from Hong Kong was the top female finisher in 3:14:27. Miguel Nuci of Turlock won the half in 1:07:51 and Lindsay Nelson took the gold in the ladies division with 1:20:21.
Who will be the champs this year?
Friday, Oct. 26
1 to 6 p.m. – Lifestyle Expo, registration and packet pick up
4:30 to 9 p.m. – Carbo load dinner at Partner Restaurants
Saturday, Oct. 27
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Lifestyle Expo, registration and packet pick up
11 a.m. – Kids Fun Run; all kids get a medal
4:30 to 9 p.m. – Carbo load dinner at Partner Restaurants
Sunday, Oct. 28
7:30 a.m. – Marathon, Half Marathon Start
7:45 a.m. – 5k start
8 a.m. – Park opens with Marathon Finish Line Festival 8:00 am
2:30 p.m. – Course Closes
9 a.m -3 p.m. – Finish Line Festival
