Close to 300 runners representing six states are registered to run 13.1 miles through Polk County on Saturday morning at the Third Annual Tryon Half Marathon. Organizers anticipate even more will sign up race morning. This charity road race – hosted by the Tryon Running Club – will benefit Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. The club is excited to welcome so many out-of-towners and their families to the Tryon area.

The Tryon Running Club is so thankful for the community support of our race. We depend on people giving their time each year to help set up the course, register and greet the runners, hand out water at the aid stations and cook delicious breakfast casseroles for our post-race fellowship. “For the past two years we have received rave reviews of our hospitality”, explains Race Director, Laura Phelps.

In addition to the people hours is takes to put on a race there are so many logistical aspects that the community helps us with. We get support every year from our local DOT office for the cones to protect the runners, our local police and EMS come out to ensure everyone is safe, local churches provide tables for the water stops, and other community organizations provide coolers and signs.

We are also graced with the beautiful voice of local girl, Maggie Collins, who starts of the day with the National Anthem. Behind her will stand the honorable members of the Polk County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard presenting our American flag. The top three winners of the race will be presented with hand – made awards by local potter Jim Cornell. It is truly a locally supported event!

Quick Race Info:

• Registration and packet pick-up will be open at the Harmon Field cabin on Friday, Nov. 14 from 4 – 7 p.m. and on Race Morning from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.

• Race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Harmon Field.

• Harmon Field Road and one lane of Hwy 108 (from Harmon Field to the Lynn Post Office) will be closed from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

• Half marathoners will run from Harmon Field to Hwy 108 to Clarence Rhodes Road to Scriven Road and then down to River Road and back along the course to finish at Harmon Field.

• The community is invited to come out and cheer along the course or at Harmon Field, where the finish line will be set up on the track.

• Please drive with caution if you are on the race course.

The Tryon Running Club is a 501(c)(3) chapter of the Road Runners Clubs of America that welcomes walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. Group training runs are regularly scheduled and members enjoy discounts to club events including races and clinics. To learn more, visit www.tryonrunners.blogspot.com or find the club on Facebook. Call TRC President Laura Phelps at 828-817-1833 for more information.

 

— article submitted 

by Laura Phelps