Raleigh, NC• 11/02/2008• 26.2 mi
Note that the November 2nd date is tentative.
The City of Oaks Marathon and Half Marathon returns to Raleigh as one of the region's premier events. The name of the event refers to Raleigh's historic distinction as the "City of Oaks," with its abundance of oak trees and calls to mind the natural areas that abound within the metropolitan capital of North Carolina.
The City of Oaks Marathon showcases what runners long have celebrated as one of the Southeast's best places to run. The race is coordinated by Raleigh Running Outfitters (RRO) and a team of enthusiastic Team RRO runners, family, sponsors, and friends. The race brings marathon running to North Carolina's capital, highlighting its beautiful landscape and colorful, majestic oak trees in peak fall season.
Raleigh is often described as "a park with a city in it." The marathon will take runners through the city's downtown core, which has undergone a $2 billion renaissance, and over serene trails of the 5,400-acre William B. Umstead Park. From urban renewal to protected forestland, runners will experience what Forbes considers the #6 Best City for Singles and #2 Best City for Business, and one of Runner's World Great Destinations Off the Beaten Path.
Each participant's race package will include a City of Oaks Marathon and Half Marathon technical long-sleeve t-shirt.
There will be no day-of race packet pickup or race registration!
Awards: All marathon and half marathon finishers will receive a custom City of Oaks Marathon or City of Oaks Half Marathon Finishers Medal at the finish line. In addition, all finishers will be mailed a certificate of completion to recognize and celebrate their accomplishment.
The total prize purse for the two races will be $13,400.
DETAILS:
| Contact information: | Jim Micheels Email: committee@cityofoaksmarathon.com |
| Registration fee: | $60 (early-bird) $70 (standard) $80 (day of race) |
| Start time: | 7:00 a.m. |
| Age of race: | 2 years |
| Course description: | The certified course was designed to showcase many of the focal points of the city, including the new Fayetteville Street, the State Capital Building, Glenwood South, N.C. State University and the Bell Tower, the RBC Center, the State Fairgrounds, and Umstead State Park, which has long been a favorite destination for local runners. The course showcases the diversity of Raleigh's landscape, from modern city to forest trails and open farmland. The City of Oaks Half Marathon showcases Meredith College, N.C. State University via Hillsborough Street, and the downtown hotspots of Fayetteville Street, Glenwood South and Clark Avenue. The first half of the City of Oaks Marathon course will be the same as the half marathon course. The second half of the marathon will traverse 3.5 miles of wide, fine-packed gravel trails through Umstead State Park. Some hills within the park and after leaving the park make the full marathon course more challenging than the half marathon. The entire race course will be well marked. A variety of signs will direct participants along the race routes. Keep your eyes out for balloons/signs marking the course. Easy-to-read-and-see mile markers will catch your attention and spur you on. |
| Course map: | Available online |
| Directions to race: | From the airport follow signs for I-40 East towards Raleigh. Once on I-40 East, drive 5 miles to the Wade Avenue/North Raleigh and take the right-hand exit (right two lanes). Remain in the right lane and take the second exit onto Blue Ridge Road. At the top of the ramp turn right onto Blue Ridge, followed by a right onto Trinity Road. Parking for the race is on the left and the start line will be at the intersection of Trinity Road and Youth Center Drive. Start/Finish Line is on Trinity Road, between the N.C. State Fairgrounds and Carter Finley Stadium. |
| USAT&F certified?: | Yes |
Not yet rated.
Last Year's Statistics
| Total finishers | 758 |
|---|---|
| Female (%) | 253 (33.38%) |
| Male (%) | 505 (66.62%) |
| Top male | Tim Surface, 2:35:22.70 |
| Top Female | Gloria Kuiken-iverson, 2:59:57.70 |
| Top 40+ male | John Piggott, 2:38:14.70 |
| Top 40+ female | Roberta Meyer, 3:10:05.50 |
| Average time | 04:19:37 |