Queen City Marathon, anybody?

[kevinspradlin]

Anybody ever considered coordinating a marathon in Allegany or Garrett counties (or a combination thereof)?

I know it'd be an ordeal, but ... wow, what an opportunity to show off some of the aesthetically pleasing views in the area. Fall, of course, might be the best time to show off those views.

While top flight runners such as Jaron, Dave, Jeremy & Jim commit annually to other competitive endeavors, I wonder what interest there might be in having one "for the rest of us?"

Before I entertain the idea of moving forward with this in 2009 or beyond in the first of an initital race committee meeting, let's talk here a bit about:

1. Has it been done before? If so, why'd it stop?

2. Has it been considered before? If so, why'd it never happen?

3. What would be some pitfalls you could think of to have a Western Maryland marathon?

4. What are some draws, or advantages or benefits, to have such a race?

5. Would it make sense to include 1 or more of the following, for a festival-type environment? - half-marathon, 10K, 5K, kids run.

6. Do you feel it'd be more of a draw if the race had a "cause" that it would benefit?

7. When to schedule it. Wouldn't want to conflict with the fall marathons (if a fall event) such as Marine Corps, Johnstown, Baltimore or NCR Trail marathons. In Spring, wouldn't want to conflict with National (in D.C.), Frederick (early May), among others, or the JFK ultra the third weekend in November. So, what's a good time?

For those concerned about a lack of interest, consider local history. The first JFK 50-miler (www.jfk50mile.org/HistoryStuff.htm) started in neighboring Washington County in the SPRING of 1963. There were only 10 hearty souls at the starting line and only 4 made it to the finish.

Forty-four years later, the race is the only original Kennedy-inspired 50-miler around. In November 2007, the race celebrated its [glow=red,2,300]largest number of finishers yet: 1,079[/glow].

[frojoe23]

As far as I know this has never been done before. I guess that it has been considered, but not by anybody serious. Last summer after one of our runs, a woman was talking to us about holding a marathon in the area - she liked the idea of having a marathon in "Hill country".

I would say that I think doing a 10k in conjunction with the marathon would be a good idea. I don't like the half-marathons with the marathons because typically they hold them both on the same course at the same time. If you could have the half on Saturday and then the full marathon on Sunday, that would work.

I'd say that some of the pitfalls would be designing a 26.2 mile course. it could be out and back - that would be easiest, especially when it came to road closures. But, I'd say that the toughest thing would be the lack of hotels in the area. Yes, there are probably enough hotels in Cumberland, Lavale and Frostburg to house the crowd that you would get, but then comes the issue of people staying all over the place and where would the start be? Would you have to transport them to the start - would they have to drive from their hotel and find parking?

Okay, just a few thoughts for now....

[kevinspradlin]

Runners finding their own way to a starting line is nothing new; it's certainly the leading concept for races, even for marathons. I do have a couple of ideas and, you're right, even if something like this ever gets off the ground, I don't think I'd have to worry about too many runners the first few years. Besides, one of my more bolder concepts for this has the perfect solution on how runners could be transported to the starting line.

I have a few ideas as far as possible routes - some more bold than others, some easier courses and at least one other with a challenging climb over a 3.5 mile portion on an otherwise flat course.

I plan to announce soon, on here and in the local papers, about a concept meeting for those interested in being on a steering committee to see if this is something worth pursuing.

[kevinspradlin]

Marathon club to meet Wednesday
LAVALE — A group of people interested in organizing Western Maryland’s first 26.2-mile foot race and associated events next year will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the LaVale branch of the Allegany County Library System.

There are several agenda items for the new marathon club’s board of directors to consider during the hour-long gathering as it prepares for the April 19 marathon, which will benefit the County United Way, and related races for children and the race expo and dinner.

The board is expected to adopt a marathon route to submit to the State Highway Administration and local government agencies, discuss sponsorship opportunities and review the preliminary budget. The club’s marathon steering committee also is to be appointed.

The meeting will be followed by a self-paced distance run. Bring your own water.

The meeting is open to the public. Anyone especially interested in serving on the board of directors or on the race steering committee is encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Kevin Spradlin at [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

[marc]

Quick note: the Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 20th. Unless I misread the column, the 19th would probably be cutting down on attendance by a substantial amount.

[kevinspradlin]

I think the people who qualify for the Boston each year intend to go annually. This race won't (and can't) compete with the Boston Marathon in any way, shape or form. In fact, the race is to be certified and, as I understand it, the time from the Allegany County race could be used as a qualifier for the next year's Boston.

Boston is big - 25,000 people from around the world toe the starting line. But that leaves, what, 5.975 billion that don't go? Something like that.

I think Boston's key in that the people who want to do this race, who might not have qualified for Boston (or who can't afford to go), will have an annual reminder that there's a second option on Boston Marathon weekend. That's the thinking, anyway.

[birunner]

Sorry that I couldn't make it to the meeting last night. My partner and I went out to dinner for our anniversary. Is there any way that we could see an agenda or some minutes on this?

[birunner]

Sorry that I couldn't make it to the meeting last night. My partner and I went out to dinner for our anniversary. Is there any way that we could see an agenda or some minutes on this?

[kevinspradlin]

I'll post a recap here later today. Also, I'll give more notice for next month's meeting instead of just a week or so (sorry about that). Hopefully you can make it out then!

[kevinspradlin]

Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:23 PM
Subject: June 25 marathon mtg f/u

First, Mo, Jim & Jason - good run tonight. Jason, you and I did about 7.4 in 54:54 (7:25 pace). Not bad - and "up" from the Narrows.

Second, thanks to all of you for attending tonight's meeting. Dave, we actually did have a dedicated few show up tonight and participate in 45 minutes of lively discussion. A handful of us then set out for a not-as-easy-as-it-might-have-looked 7.4-mile run.

While I have a number of potential marathon routes mapped out, not a single one was voted on tonight. That was done on purpose. During the conversation tonight, it was clear the merits - pros and cons - of each possibility should be weighed further before deciding which route to put forward to the State Highway Administration. We should do that by the end of next month, I think. Still, plenty of time to think about "Route G" as proposed by Robert "Nut" Hall.

www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/md/cumberland-to-frostburg-(gap)/241444481567

As you can see, this route starts in downtown Cumberland and heads up Mechanic to the Narrows, then up National Highway to Frostburg (yup, Mountain City) to an elevation of 2,015 feet (and an incline from Mile 5 to Mile 11). Upon entering the city limits, runners would turn right on Depot, hit the switchbacks to the Great Allegheny Passage and head down the GAP all the way to the Canal Place/staging area and the post-race party.

As Nut pointed out, this course has its merits - significantly less traffic control issues (which = higher degree of runner safety) and a more manageable course which might allow us to consider the half-marathon as a further draw to the day's festivities (along with the tot trot, kids run, open run, the race expo and, the night before, the pre-race dinner). It also highlights the area's scenery, along with 2, possibly 3 of the 4 major tourism draws Allegany County is trying to promote (National Road, Great Allegheny Passage and, likely, Canal Place). I talked with Renee Bone today about getting on the July Canal Place meeting agenda.

Dave, Nut mentioned tying in the train - I'll talk with Frank about this - to see if the train could bring spectators (for a nominal charge) up to the Frostburg area, see the runners at about the halfway point, then back to Queen City for the finish. (We'd just have to ask to keep the horn-blowing to a minimum if it's beside the runners on the trail. I've been caught beside the train before - scenic, yes, but LOUD!!!) I think that'd be pretty cool.

Anyway at www.mapmyrun.com/user_profile?username=kevinspradlin you can see a number of potential routs. Don't worry that the numbers don't add up to 26.2 - that'll be taken care of down the road.

And Brian, I'd like to set something up with you for early next week - I'm on vacation, after all, so it's perfect - and talk about what you could do for the marathon and related events. Please call me at home, at your convenience, at 240-522-0276 and name a time good for you.

----
RECAP FROM WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 - initial marathon meeting
In attendance: Maureen Hall, Robert "Nut" Hall (W. Md. Timing) Jason Griffith (LaVale Veterinary Hospital), Jim Jordan, Dave Williams (AlCo Tourism) and Kevin Spradlin.

1. Kevin provided brief report on status of marathon conversation

2. Robert, Maureen, Jim and Jason all accepted positions on club board of directors. Others are expected (and encouraged). Kevin is executive director.

3. <edited>

4. Considered 2 marathon route possibilities, discussed a third from Cumberland to Frostburg then back on the Great Allegheny Passage

5. Approved tot trot (probably 26.2 meters), kids run (262 meters) and open run (2.62 miles, downtown course) as part of marathon festivities.

6. Considered possibility of half-marathon in this first year. Will discuss this further at next meeting in late July (date to be determined).

7. Mentioned potential sponsors (<edited>). Huge jumpstart by Allegany County Tourism Dept ($3,000).

8. Discussed creating club/marathon website. Nut Hall has some affordable options for this. We'll talk again very soon on this.

9. Considered 6 logos as designed by Kenny Magruder. Consensus seemed to prefer No. 6 (bottom right) but no vote was taken. Some wondered if National Road, transportation heritage or landmarks (such as toll house) could be incorporated into event logo.

10. Approved other races for 2009, including New Year's Day race, Valentine's Day race on Cooks Mill Road south of Hyndman, Pa., and the April 4th Spring is Here! 10K (6.2-mile) on Mason Road.

11. Agreed to schedule next meeting with more advance notice, through email/phone calls as necessary.

12. Almost forgot - noted that Tim O'Keefe (Frederick) and Neal Riemenschneider (Winchester, Va.) have agreed to have our course USATF-certified (for a cost).

13. Also will call Jessica Sleight, RRCA, to check how fast we can get the tax exemption/501c3 proof for the <edited> grant application (<edited>).
----
Funny thing - usually I'd make a right from the library and head down National Highway to hit Cash Valley Road. Tonight I made a left and took 1st street down. I made it half a block before I saw someone I'd written a Times-News article on about 6 months ago. His wife said she'd heard of the marathon already and that their daughter, a runner, was asking if there was a website or anything yet. AWESOME!!! I was tempted to hand her a blank piece of paper as an entry form (I refrained from doing so).

<edited>

Nut, I would like to get with you early next week, if possible, to talk about the printer and possible website solutions. Let's keep it simple - remember, I'm no brainiac.

<edited>. I'm on vacation from June 28 through July 6, so at home during that time is a great opportunity to move the discussion forward.

Kevin


Kevin Spradln
P.O. Box 227
14307 Temple St.
Ellerslie, MD 21529-0227
240-522-0276

[frojoe23]

Sounds like you guys had a pretty productive meeting there. I wasn't able to make it. I hope to get a chance to look at your possible routes one night. That stretch from the Narrows up to Frostburg is tough, but I imagine that is what you are going for with that!

[kevinspradlin]

That was Nut's idea, but the benefits of the way back on the GAP - next to no traffic and all but a scenic wonder at some points - are huge and definitely worth considering. Plus the return is pretty runner-friendly, all things considered.

I'm going to urge the club to make a decision on the preferred route at the July meeting (date to be determined, and posted here) so the State Highway Administration permit can be applied for. Input between now and then is encouraged and appreciated.

I'm going to try and run from Canal Place to the Frostburg Depot via National Highway, then swing around to the trail for a couple of miles on Sunday and see how it feels. My wife will pick me up at the Frostburg Depot (or I'll stage my bike). Anyone who wants to come along may do so, of course. Start time 7 a.m. Total distance about a half-marathon or so.

[Justin]

It does sound like a productive meeting. I guess my question would be: what will be the "draw" for this race? Or what is the "purpose" or "theme" of it? It's tough to describe I guess. Is it a Cumberland race? set up like NYC to see the different sections of the city? Or an Allegany county race? Or is it going to be marketed as a challenging rural course with good scenery? I'm not trying to cause trouble or anything, but having a direction or a goal for it could help design a course.

Another question: Can a course off-road, on the Highlands Trail, be certified by USATF?

I guess in relation to #10 with the other races, I'd just like to comment that I personally would love to see more non-5k road races in the area. Right now yearly we have 1 15k, 1 5mi, and 1 10k. From listening to stories from the "old(er) timers" they always talk about 5 milers and 10k's, and even 10 milers in the area that were available. I know the draw to the longer races are much less, but any effort to add at least 1 more would be great.

Anyways, good luck guys.

[kevinspradlin]

The "draw" of the race is multi-faceted and will likely include the Great Allegheny Passage to a degree and the National Road and help promote the area's transportation heritage. For the moment I'll refrain from most specifics because we are in the planning stages. But I think it's safe to say it'll be challenging, scenic - and we'll do our darndest to make it an event for all of Allegany County.

As for USATF certification, Tim O'Keefe and Neal Reimenschneider are the experts in this area. They'll be up here this summer - I've promised them a trip to QC Creamery - and fill us in on the details.

As for next year's races, I've made it no secret I believe there's a void between in regional running between January and mid-April, the Snowflake and the Great Escape not withstanding. All 3 races (New Year's Day, Valentine's Day and the April 4 10K) will be low-cost entry fees, maxing out at $5 for race-day registration. I take it you meant the Moonshine 10K as the "only" 10K but please remember this year's Spring is Here! 10K in early April. In 2009, that will be the second annual.

The Valentine's Day race could be a 6K, 4-miler, 8K, 5-miler or something else, depending. Could even be a 10-miler, though I'd need more help coordinating that than I would the shorter distances. I'll admit, I'm less inclined to direct a 10-miler in February just because of the work involved. Besides, I really like the concept of the team-oriented RRCA Club Challenge 10-miler in Columbia each February. While that's not a local draw, I enjoy the team concept and wish more people around here would embrace the idea. It's fun (to me, anyway).

Justin, if you have time, I'd really like your input on these issues as they arise, whether by posting on here, emailing me, coming to a short meeting (none will last more than an hour) or joining up for a run sometime. All ideas are on the table and all sides should/will be considered.

Thanks for your input here - keep the thoughts flowing.

[trannierunner]

Love of idea. Whats the cost for the kids run? Hey Birunner want to get together for run on the trail?