Calling all runners and wannabee runners: The Red Cross is kicking off The Red Cross Rescue Racers, which is the official charity training team for the Myrtle Beach Marathon. They will begin a 17-week training program on Thursday, Nov. 3, to prepare participants for the 20th annual Myrtle Beach race on March 4, 2017.
So if you are a couch potato, this is for you. Not only is a great training program to motivate you and a fun thing to do in Myrtle Beach, it will bring in necessary funds for the local Red Cross chapter.
The training program is designed to help individuals train with Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) certified coaches to run, run/walk, or walk, the full (26.2 mile) or half (13.1 mile) marathon.
Anyone interested in knowing more about the program is invited to attend one of two information meetings scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, and Thursday, Oct. 27, at the American Red Cross, Eastern South Carolina, 3531 Pampas Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC.
The training program was developed in 2007 as a partnership between the Red Cross chapter and the marathon board of directors. Since the team program’s inception, more than $550,000 in donations has been raised for Red Cross disaster services.
A volunteer coaching staff of seven headed by veteran marathoner Christine Rockey will lead the team this year. The program, which also partners with the Grand Strand Running Club, provides individuals desiring to run, run/walk, or walk the marathon or half-marathon with personalized training schedules that include a series of educational programs and a weekly group training session to be held at 8 a.m. each Saturday.
Among the numerous benefits, team members receive a guaranteed spot in this popular race now in its 20th year, team apparel, a sponsored pre-race pasta party, a private duffle shuttle on race morning, and a private massage tent at the finish line. The team concept provides the motivation to help participants reach their individual goals. Individuals of all ages from 11 to 70 have participated on the team, including those with no race experience to those seeking to advance their training.
In return, team members commit to donating or raising a minimum of $500 to support the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross. By “training with a purpose,” they reach personal goals while simultaneously providing a community service. Students joining the team have a goal set at $250. Fundraising guidance and group activities are available to help ensure team members reach their goals.
For more information, contact Angela Nicholas at aknicholas28@gmail.com or (843) 655-9788.