All around the town
Huge.
Tom Keller's report gives you the rundown, but you probably had to be in High Point yesterday to appreciate the scope of the N.C. Marathon.
Two thousand runners in three separate races were spread over more than 30 miles of city streets. A marathon and half-marathon started at 7 a.m., and a 5K at 9.
Because all the marathoners and many of the half-marathoners were still on the roads at 9, three races were under way simultaneously for part of the morning.
A world of credit goes to race organizers, an army of volunteers, the High Point Police Department, other city employees and everyone else who made it happen. Congratulations, Foster Friends of North Carolina and sponsors, for a terrific accomplishment.
The police effort was extraordinary, especially coming right after the furniture market when they put in a lot of overtime to ensure public safety with 70,000 visitors in town for that big business event. This time they had to block or detour traffic at scores of intersections for hours to provide access for runners. It was an immense undertaking. Motorists encountered delays and inconvenience, and some might have been hard-pressed to even figure out how to drive across town. I hope there won't be too many complaints to City Hall Monday.
The courses themselves were well laid-out and attractive, covering some of High Point's top attractions from start to finish. The races really provided a nice tour of the city for out-of-towners.
And there were plenty of runners, many more than in the inaugural N.C. Marathon in Greensboro last year. Personally, I've never been in a more crowded field than at yesterday's 7 a.m. combined start for the two longer races. I had no idea that Joan Benoit Samuelson was among us. She went on to win the half-marathon.
My own experience was disappointing. I'd strained a hamstring during a long training run two weeks ago, and it just didn't hold up very long yesterday. Nevertheless, it was fun being part of the excitement. I'll hope for better luck next year when the event returns to High Point.
In fact, I hope it becomes a permanent fixture. High Point can handle huge.
Comments (3)
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Accolades to the North Carolina Marathan 2009. I congradulate High Point for hosting a truly rewarding event. Friendliness,compassion, caring and excelling at top speed is wonderful. I hope our state runners find High Point a permanent home that is welcoming forever.
Posted on May 3, 2009 2:20 PM
Don't tell Greensboro City Council member Mike Barber, that it was a success and might have some competition for next year. The Greensboro Police Department was the problem with their overpriced payment for this event.
It was so condescending to hear Mike Barber call High Point a small city in his news conference on many issues and one of them was losing the marathon to High Point.
Posted on May 3, 2009 11:48 PM
High Point certainly proved its mettle in terms of public services provided to support this event. It would be difficult for Greensboro to match it.
A big problem for High Point, however, which the High Point Enterprise has pointed out, is lack of downtown diversions for family members of runners to pass the time while the races are under way. Lots of furniture showrooms (closed with market ended) and few restaurants or coffee shops. There's an opportunity for entrepreneurs to fill a need next year, and they should be encouraged by the city's convention and visitors bureau.
Posted on May 4, 2009 8:16 AM