Clarksville’s Movin’

Monday, November 2 2009 at 11:39am

“I’ve joined the Couch to 5k group”. “First time runners unite”. “I am training for my first half marathon”. The running bug has bit Clarksville and the fever has spread. In a season where sickness is a dreaded condition, this disease is welcome. And encouraged. Runners (and walkers) are set to convene at the inaugural Clarksville Half Marathon Saturday, November 7th. With a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 5k and a fun run available this is definitely an event the whole family can participate in. Over one-thousand people have signed up to participate and even more are expected to join in the days ahead.

Why are so many people turning out to join in this event? For starters the course promises to be amazing. Set near Beachaven Winery & Vineyards; each race has a near perfect location because of the flat, even terrain. The weather also seems to be cooperating. (We all have our fingers and toes crossed and have started a collection for lucky rabbits feet.) There will also be TONS of extras and surprises the day of the race. Possibly some music? Maybe some entertainers? Goodie bags and prizes perhaps? I guess you won’t know until you show up.

But the biggest reason for turnout, we would like to believe, is because people are excited about the prospect of an active healthy event that their entire family can accomplish together.

The run, although fun, has some added community benefits as well. Proceeds from the event will go to the Clarksville Area YMCA and the Wings of Liberty Museum. Ft. Campbell will have a large presence at the event this year. Military service members are encouraged to participate with their units and teams and hundreds are already signed up. Several hundred service members are participating in a “shadow race” in Kandahar, Afghanistan as well. This is just another way that Clarksville keeps their military families united and close to home. Planters Bank and Michelob Ultra have stepped up as the major sponsors of the Half Marathon and 5k, respectively. Both businesses are faithful supporters of several community events.

We hope to see everyone out at Beachaven on Saturday. More information about the race can be found at www.clarksvillehalfmarathon.com. Good luck to all of the runners, we know you’ll do great!