Mill Race Marathon runners know the starting line this morning for the 5K, half and full marathon is in downtown Columbus. But race preparations for the race really start with packet pickup.
All day Friday, runners were welcomed as they picked up their packets, one of the many Health and Fitness Expo activities on the upper level of The Commons. By far, the greatest number of runners are from Columbus, but this year’s race includes entrants from as far away as Canada, Brazil and South Africa.
Runners were greeted near two new 2500 Cummins-powered Dodge Ram trucks, each valued at $50,000, one of which — the winner’s choice — will be given away at the marathon After Party at 4 p.m. today. Runners who finish the half or full marathons are entered in the truck drawing, provided by Bob Poynter Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Hyundai and Cummins Inc.
Inside The Commons, volunteers directed runners upstairs where a wide variety of vendors set up booths to provide merchandise, information or services.
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Christi Tam had her hands full with several race packets in one hand, and her grandson Riley Tam in the other, as the two wound their way through the exhibit hall.
She and her husband Steve are walking the half marathon and Riley was planning to run in Friday’s Kids Fun Run representing First Presbyterian Preschool.
“We’ve done it every year,” she said of entering the half marathon. “It’s just exciting. It feels like the whole town is participating in this.”
After the couple finishes the half, they join friends from First Lutheran Church at Joe Willy’s Burger Bar to cheer on marathon runners as they head to the finish line.
At the booths, runners could check out everything from shirts to shoes and accessories, with chairs provided for trying on merchandise.
Harriet Armstrong, Bartholomew County Purdue Extension educator, was handing out recipes to smoothies and recommending walking programs to any non-runners, including an online program that sends participants email reminders about getting some steps.
Armstrong was also promoting 4-H registration, encouraging youngsters to consider the program. Youngsters could climb on a special 4-H bicycle and prove that peddling hard enough could power a fan and charge a cell phone at the same time.
Some runners were stopping at the Popportunity booth on their way to packet pickup, where owner Laurie Booher had already sold out of this month’s favorite flavor, salted caramel, two hours after the expo opened. Booher, who hires special needs young people to work for the business, said she has hired six employees so far in the first three years the business has been open.
For those runners who weren’t too sure about the caramel corn, Booher offered a Lean Machine flavor popcorn popped in sunflower oil and lightly salted.
It was game-on at the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield booths behind the Commons escalator, where marathon competitors were encouraged to try a variety of games to receive prizes.
On the memory challenge, which was an electronic video-game-type offering, Sean Griffin of Baltimore, Maryland, was trying to follow the cadance and lights and was wowing the crowd with a score of 19. The game, called Simon, proves challenging and players usually get a 6 or 7, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield volunteers.
Griffin, grandson of Terry and Connie Marbach, Columbus, was running in the fun run Friday night and was with his grandfather picking up his packet when he tried out the game.
“I like memorizing things,” Griffin said.
He plans to be an engineer someday, he said.
At the registration table, Rob and Angie Ferguson of Columbus were busy answering questions from runners about where to park and when would be a good time to arrive at the race this morning.
A large crowd turned out when packet pickup began at 10 a.m., and a steady flow of people were stopping by after picking up their race bibs to obtain their parking assignment and ask questions about where that parking might be.
The most common question was how runners can get out of a parking lot when they complete their race, he said. The couple advised people to take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs from the west side of Walmart, 2025 Merchant’s Mile.
“You don’t have to worry about traffic that way,” Rob Ferguson said.
On the way out of the expo, a booth was available to sign up for the 2019 Mill Race Marathon, even before the runners had completed the 2018 race.
A countdown clock noted that the 2019 marathon was only 366 days away.
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STARTING TIMES: Half and full marathons, 7:30 a.m.; 5K, 7:50 a.m. today.
RUNNERS: More than 3,200 runners were expected to compete today. Last-minute entrants can register from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. today at The Commons, 300 Washington St. Cost is $110 for the full marathon, $95 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5K.
WEATHER: Cloudy today with temperatures in high 50s or low 60s when the races begin, and 63 degrees by noon, far cooler than last year’s temperatures which topped 80, according to AccuWeather. There’s no rain in the forecast.
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