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The Fulton YMCA will offer the first only marathon and ½ marathon events in Oswego County on Sunday, October 12, 2008. The Century Marathon and Half Marathon will take place at as well as start at, Bull Head Point, with a start time of 7:00 am, in honor of a local runner, Ruth Ripley.
Earlier in the summer it became well known that Ruthie, an avid runner who has completed many, many marathons, is a breast cancer survivor. Ruth’s love of running led to a self imposed goal of running a marathon in each of the U.S. states. However, once Ruth accomplished her goal she was left searching for another goal to try and achieve. Since she had completed 50 marathons, why not go all the way to 100? What better place to do the 100th, than as close to home as possible?
Led by race director Kim McPherson of the Fulton YMCA, runners may join Ruth and other participants to celebrate her remarkable feat. The race is not only endearing, but hometown friendly said McPherson. McPherson also stated that “We have far reached our goal of 100, we are now just shy of 200, with registrations still coming in, a solid start for a first time event.
Registrations for the ½ Marathon is now $30 and for the Full Marathon is $60. McPherson is happy to report that the racecourse has been certified, meaning it is an official Boston Marathon qualifying course. It is designed in the spirit of both Boston and Ruthie to be a challenge in its own right. Ruthie’s courageous battle with breast cancer is reflected in the challenges of the course.
Registrations are being accepted until 9:00am on Friday. Packet pick-up begins at the Fulton YMCA on Thursday starting at 8:30 and will continue through until Saturday. Sunday, registrants can pick their packets up at Bullhead Point on Route 3, between the Fulton War Memorial and the Fulton YMCA.
According to Ruth herself, the name of the marathon is the “Century Marathon” with the slogan being “100 IS ENOUGH”. “And 100 is truly enough for me! I am looking forward to running the shorter local races and seeing the many friends I have not seen for a very long time.”
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This event is being brought to you by the following sponsors Onondaga Hearing Services, Walmart, Met Life, Community Chiropractic PC, The City of Fulton, Granby Fire Department, Volney Fire Department, Oswego County Ambulance Service (Menters), Fulton Savings Bank, Crouse Medical Group, PC (Dr. Richard Steinmann, MD), Pathfinder Bank, The great outdoors, Eagle Beverage, Ontario Orchards, Dunkin Donuts, C&G Beverage, Bob Burleigh – Surveyor. The host hotel for this event is the River Side Inn 930 South First Street, Fulton, NY and the media sponsor is Oswego County Today.com.
If you should have any questions regarding this event or any other Oswego YMCA event, please contact us at 598-9622.
The Oswego YMCA is an agency of the United Way.
HOW SPECTATORS CAN ENJOY THE CENTURY MARATHON
Here are a few hints on how to get the most out of the marathon experience as a spectator.
Host a Marathon Party
If you can’t make it to the Celebration, here are some suggestions for hosting a marathon party at your house.
1) Lawn decorations including signs, balloons and banners.
2) Play music from a radio.
3) Knock the cobwebs off the trumpet, sax or drum set and make some noise.
4) Create a party and cheer to yell as the runners pass.
5) Coordinate a team wave.
6) Fire-up the barbeque – plenty of food and drink.
Cheer on the Runners!
Words of encouragement to offer runners as they pass:
1) “Way to run”
2) “You Look Mahvelous”
3) “Awesome”
4) “You Can Do It”
5) “Looking Strong”
6) “You’re flying”
7) “Looking Good”
Water Stops
One way to show support for the marathon is to set up an “Unofficial Water Stop” in your neighborhood. The marathon will provide 9 water (and Endurance Drink) stops along the course for runners, wheelers and walkers. The stops will be at least every two miles. Your “unofficial water stop” does not need to provide water … other suggestions include ice chips, candy, sliced oranges, ice pops, bananas and granola bars. You’ll be surprised by the smiles and appreciation you will receive from the runners, wheelers and walkers.
THE TOP 10 TIPS ON HOW TO BE AN AWESOME SPECTATOR
1. Decide who you want to watch (the front of the pack; the back of the pack who REALLY will need your support; loved one (friends, family, co-workers) and make a PLAN.
2. Print the course map and keep it with you at all times in order to navigate the course.
3. Check the list of “cheering locations” – find the ones that interest you the most, mark them on your map, and head out!
4. Figure out where the people are going to be and when – figure out where they will be at various times on the course. Do the math on the basis of whom you want to see, and you will have fun. If you want to move, have a time schedule written down, and be sure and figure in your commute time.
5. Make some noise! Come prepared. Bring something that will let your friend/family member/co-worker know that you are out there cheering them him or her on. Just remember that there will be others around you, don’t be offensive!
6. Make signs (on poster board or the like) – Be creative and colorful, the runners will truly appreciate your time and trouble!
7. While support is welcomed by the runners everywhere on the course, the second half as well as the finish will be appreciated the most.
8. Check out the weather channels the morning of the race and dress appropriately (sunscreen/hat, umbrella, jacket, long/short sleeves, etc.)
10. Watch out for the runners who have their names or special singlets on. If they have their name on their shirt or body, call it out, give them encouragement, it will go a long way with the runners. If you see anyone wearing a singlet participating in this event for a charity, give him or her a shout out as well. They are running for a very honorable cause and will appreciate your encouragement!
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