February 28, 2010 A lot of effort required to put on Moe’s Half Marathon Things are coming together at a very rapid rate for the ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon and the “Speak Up For Kids” CASA 5K on Sunday, March 7th out at the Tanger Outlet Center. Things seem to go rather slowly in the months leading up to a race; and then, during the last week, everything must come together for that final day. E-mails are picking up in communications between race organizers and volunteers; phone calls are more numerous; questions from entrants on parking, registration information, etc., all are becoming daily tasks for race organizers. This past Saturday, David Alexander and I went out and re-certified the course since it has been changed from past years. No major changes, except the start will no longer make a loop around the Tanger Outlet Center parking lot; this year, runners will head straight out the exit to Centerpoint Road. The extra distance is made up later in the course, with a loop through a housing subdivision that should add to the challenge of the race. Between riding, measuring, marking mile points and making adjustments after the completed ride, a total of about 6 1/2 hours had passed. Add some paperwork and map-making between the two of us, and another three hours can be added to getting the course ready for the runners. The paperwork has been sent in for certification of the course; and since our measurement was only .04 percent difference between the two measurement rides, we were under the standard needed to certify the course. Hopefully all the figures will be accepted, as some of the math work can get a little complicated. The design of the T-shirts has been approved, and they look great - a black high-tech shirt with a tan logo on the front makes a nice shirt to wear. Volunteer shirts will be a tan color with the black logo that also are very nice looking. Awards have been ordered and should be ready for Sunday. The finisher’s mugs and pens have been ordered and will be ready for all the runners that cross the finish line. Advertising has been stepped up, especially in Austin, in hopes that the race can draw more runners this last week to experience a great country road race of some scenic outdoor sights. Volunteers are being lined up for the various jobs that it takes to put on a race this size. There is always a need for more volunteers. The more volunteers we have, the less work for everyone; and everyone comes away with a new T-shirt, a mug, a pen and a chance to see some runners putting in some tough miles. The “Speak Up For Kids” CASA 5K is still open; and runners can register on race day if they decide to enter at the last minute. This is an out-and-back course along Centerpoint Road that encourages runners and walkers of all levels of ability to enter. The race has two categories for runners. One category is designed for the competitive runners trying for an award in their age category. The other category is a fun run for runners that want to run for the benefit of supporting CASA, but not necessarily to run fast for an award. CASA runners in both categories all receive a race T-shirt and goodies after the race. For the younger runners, a 1K kids run will be held between the start of the two races that morning. Whether you are up to the challenge of the 13.1-mile half marathon or will settle for the 5K distance, both races will be fun to enter. And if you are not into the running but want to support a friend, spouse or family member, you can still volunteer and be part of the event. The only requirement is on Sunday morning; you will have to get an early start, as the half marathon starts at 7:00 a.m., and volunteers are expected to show up between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. Sometimes that can be a little intimidating for some people. Dr. Maurice Johnson - better known around San Marcos as “Moe” - is a professor in the Department of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance at Texas State University - San Marcos. Moe has been a fixture in the San Marcos running community - both as a runner and race organizer - since way back when Moby Dick was a minnow. His column on running and fitness appears each Sunday in the Sports section of the San Marcos Daily Record. • Recent “Running With Moe” Columns • Home • About the Club • Current News • Club Runs • Places To Run • TX Running Clubs • Running Links • Useful Stuff Upcoming Races • Race Results • Country Roads 10K & Kids Run • ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon • “Running With Moe” Contact Us!