Updates

Race Director Updates

Race director update, August 23, 2010

Well, it won’t be long now.

This update and probably another to follow this week.

The extended weather forecast for race day is projected to be 71 for the high. If this holds it will be great running conditions.

There are now two printable race course maps located on our website to help you become familiar with our course. (Check under course info dropdown).

There is a new printable waiver that is located on our website and will need to be downloaded, printed and brought to the Expo or race day. No runner will receive a bib number until this waiver is completed and handed to a registration/packet pick-up official.

We are featuring Shed Horn Winery, which will be presenting a no cost wine pouring, tasting and purchasing at our Expo on Friday, 27, and Sat, 28 at the Santa Rosa Hilton. Their wines will also be presented to all three deep division winners in the half and full marathon. Age categories 20 and under will receive another nice gift.

There are still some tickets available for the Pasta Dinner (lots of prizes and a colorful presentation) on Saturday 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Check website for menu and details.

The newly paved 2.1 mile pathway will be appreciated, although there is now a .8 mile spur we will be running on from about mile 7.7 to 8.5 that has some loose gravel that was churned up by the big paving trucks. There will be a sign designating the area. (It is actually not too bad now, since I spend lots of time this weekend raking and grooming this section).

There are also a few dips (really small depressions that can be run through) that where created in another section of the pathway from mile 5 to 6.

There are 3 bigger dips on the right hand side of the pathway between mile 10 and mile 10.5. There will be signs indicating the three spots.

I run on these trails everyday and these spots have never been a concern but I thought that every runner should be aware of them.

Remember, there is free parking in the three tiered garage behind Sears that is provided by the Santa Rosa Plaza Management.

Yesterday, as I walked the course I spotted 6 Pelicans in (Pelican Pond at mile 5), about 20 Canadian Geese honking as they flew over the lush and green cornfields (mile 6.5) and for the first time in months I spotted the resident Blue Heron foraging in the creek at mile 7.5.

This incredibly beautiful gift of nature certainly raised my spirits and made my day.

That’s it for today, although I may be missing something (it’s an old age syndrome, it will be in the next email).

Any questions send me an email.

Best wishes,

Arthur Webb
Race Director

August 6, 2010

Race director update:

Only a few weeks away and I suppose every runner is “biting at the bit” to run and have some fun at our second annual event.

I just wanted to welcome everyone and relay this new and updated information that you may find (wordy) but helpful.

• Our finisher medallions are in production and are a very nice representation.
• Our women’s cut and men’s T-shirts have been designed and hopefully everyone will enjoy.

• We are offering a Pasta Dinner on Saturday Aug, 28, from 5-7 pm at the Hilton Hotel in an adjacent ballroom from the Expo room. It is buffet style and the $25 price includes dinner, prize drawings and a colorful presentation and a few “still not too late” marathon survival tips by 13 time 135-mile Badwater Finisher Arthur Webb. The menu and numerous ways to sign up are displayed in various locations on our website including the Weekend Events/Pasta Dinner dropdown.

• Packet pickup, late registration and Expo are in a ballroom at the Santa Rosa Hilton Hotel on Friday Aug, 27, 2-7 and Sat Aug, 28, 9-5. Check our website for location and details. I am looking forward to greeting all the runners and chatting with anyone interested.

• Packet pickup will also be available near the starting line in Juilliard Park on race day from 5:30 ish to 7:00. But remember lines may be long.

• We are in preliminary discussions with a local and very classy winery concerning their potential representation at the Santa Rosa Marathon. Stay tuned for another updated email next week.

• A new and revised race map and associated text is available on our race map website dropdown. There is a minor change from last year’s route that will be explained. A hardcopy will also be available at the Expo.

• If you are running the marathon and feel that you may have problems completing the second loop, you may be able to cross the finish line after the first loop and be credited with a half marathon time and a finishers medallion, but will not be eligible to receive any of the half marathon awards. I am waiting for confirmation from our timing company. Stay tuned for another updated email next week.

• The Santa Rosa Plaza Management is offering the three tiered and free parking facility in a community spirited gesture at the corner of South A Street and First Street (about 500 feet from the start/finish line). It can easily be accessed from the 101 Freeway north as one takes the Downtown Santa Rosa off ramp. (actually it is the massive structure to the immediate right as you near the end of the off ramp. Just hang two quick rights once you reach the first light at the end of the off ramp (about 100 feet apart) and you are there. The mall is open after our race at 11:00.

• We can always use volunteers to help make this event a safe, memorable and festive event. We are searching for an interested party (maybe a runner) to sing the National Anthem. Runner’s family, friends or other interested parties are more than welcome to play a part in our race. Email me or my wife Christine at Poonpiglt@aol.com for an appreciated response.

• A festival with music, kid’s games, food vendors and more will be in Juilliard Park surrounding the finish line area.

• We are on Facebook: sign up with your friends.

• I am on the course several hours everyday checking for safety issues, doing trail maintenance and trimming assorted and distracting vegetation and yesterday saw a flock of wild turkeys and their young hens (mile 4), six Pelicans in the pond (mile 5), lots of “spectator” horses and cows, beautiful white egrets and three cornfields that are knee high. This five mile loop (mile 4 through 9) also crosses two scenic trestle bridges and you run alongside numerous vineyards, is incredibly picturesque. It is my home away from home.

• This race directing is tougher than doing the incredibly difficult Badwater Ultramarathon (yet, it’s excitingly challenging) but I am tired now and heading up to snuggle with my girlfriend, friend and lovely bride of 42 year’s, Christine.

Good night to all.

PS Any questions please send me an email.

Runerof100@aol.com