In It for the Long Haul: Running with a Cause
Four million dollars, and then some.
That’s how much the Mercedes Marathon has raised in support for local Birmingham charities.
THE STORY
A daddy’s promise to his ill little boy generated the creation of this race. You get through this surgery, and I’ll run a marathon for you, Paul Sotherland had said. The proposal: a heart-pounding 26.2 mile run if his son with Down syndrome pushed through a critical open-heart surgery. His son proved his endurance, and so did Paul. Inspired, the Mercedes Marathon took root and bloomed into the marathon for Birmingham.
THE EVENTS
Registration is now open for the 15th Anniversary Mercedes Marathon race weekend on February 12-14, 2016. Events include a superhero 5K, kids’ run, kids’ marathon, Mercedes marathon, Mercedes half-marathon, Mercedes marathon 5-person relay, and a health and fitness expo. Even better, events benefit the children at The Bell Center for Early Intervention Program , as well as other local charities.
THE LESS SCARY OPTION
If you’re more movie marathon than Boston marathon, don’t sweat it. (Yet.) The Regions Superhero 5K is a family friendly race that couch potatoes can walk or jog without growing sprouts from the effort. (But you will need to get off the couch…) This 3.1 mile course is open to all ages, and dressing as superheroes to help raise money is encouraged. Go, Batman, go!
THE PREPARATION
Hopeful runners are already training in readiness for this huge racing weekend. While February 2016 may seem eons away, training for a marathon—which has a time limit of six hours—is not something to push to the bottom of the list. The Mercedes marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston marathon, after all.
Here’s a taste of reading material from the Arts/Literature/Sports department to motivate those feet, pump you up mile after mile, or simply intrigue you to try something you thought you never could do.
INSPIRING MEMOIRS:
RUNNING HISTORY:
RUNNING HEALTH:
SPECALIZED RUNNING:
For more information, visit the official Mercedes Marathon website. For a list of local races, from 5Ks to marathons, check out the Birmingham Track Club’s online calendar.
Bethany Mitchell
Arts/Literature/Sports Department
Central Library
Comments
I wouldn't recommend doing what I did--skipping the 5K and going straight to the 10K. (I was already somewhat active.) I finished it and ended up having a good time with festivities afterward, but it's always best to start small. More rewarding!