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+---- Thread: Inaugural N.C. Half Marathon for March 2012 (/Thread-Inaugural-N-C-Half-Marathon-for-March-2012)
Inaugural N.C. Half Marathon for March 2012 - TheEd - 18-08-2011
CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. - On Sunday, March 25, 2012, thousands of runners will descend on the 1.5-mile quad-oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the racing-themed N.C. Half Marathon and 5K. The race expects 3,000-5,000 participants in the first year.
"This high energy race offers something for everyone. Whether you are veteran runner or training for your first 5K, the N.C. Half Marathon will be one race you won't forget," said Lauren Carpenter, sports and recreation sales manager of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We want folks to experience the thrill of running around the legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway and come back to watch the professionals drive the same course at more than 190 mph in the fall!"
The N.C. Half Marathon and 5K is a collaboration between the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Richard Petty Driving Experience and Continental Event and Sports Management Group LLC. Continental has produced exceptional running events including the Divas Half-Marathon Series held in various cities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
"From day one, we knew that Cabarrus County would make a great place for the N.C. Half Marathon at Charlotte Motor Speedway," said Robert Pozo, president and chief executive officer of Continental Event and Sport Management Group. "We know that this will make a winning combination for runners, stock car racing enthusiasts and even the regular 'Joe' who wants a themed race which is not like the many others."
The unique race course encompasses the three major tracks at the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex. Participants will begin at the 1.5-mile speedway's Start / Finish Line, run up and down zMAX Dragway and pass the Dirt Track with a return to the speedway. Pit Road will serve as the race's final stretch and the awards ceremony will be held in Victory Lane.
Each mile will be marked by racecars provided by Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bands, DJs and cheerleaders flanking course will add an extra dimension of excitement to the race. Participants can take advantage of stock car ride-alongs provided by Richard Petty Driving Experience, live music, food and drinks during the post-race celebration.
"Cabarrus County is 'Where Racing Lives,' and the perfect place to host a race-themed half-marathon organized by such an outstanding race production company," said Donna Carpenter, president and chief executive officer of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We expect the inaugural N.C. Half Marathon and the Bureau's partnership with Continental to yield excellent results for the county, making this a signature event for many years to come."