16/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 16/08/2024 23:39
August 16, 2024
Published by eadams
In fewer than 100 days, runners will take to the streets for the second Macon Music Half Marathon, thanks to the generous partnership of Macon Tracks, Visit Macon, Macon-Bibb County, and presenting sponsor Atrium Health Navicent. Other partners include:
Platinum Sponsor
Visit Macon
Emerald Sponsor
James Bates Brannan Groover
Gold Sponsors
Mercer University
Global Graphics
Northwestern Mutual
Silver Sponsor
Georgia Power
Silver Sponsor
Oconee State Bank
Gresco
There are still opportunities to build a healthier community by helping make this race successful. Runners go through months of rigorous training and healthy eating to prepare for half marathons, many times relying on their families to help them lead healthier lifestyles.
"Running is a family affair, whether the person is running or not," says Macon Tracks President F.M. Barron. "By sponsoring the Macon Music Half Marathon, a business or organization is saying out loud how much they value a community focused on its health."
Sponsorships - depending on the level - include mention in official announcement, logos on shirts and graphics, tags on social media, race entries, and more. Fr more information about specific sponsorships and other opportunities, email f[email protected].
This year's race will start in Carolyn Crayton Park and end on Homeplate of Historic Luther Williams Field. For 13.1 miles, runners will go through Macon's Downtown and several historic neighborhoods, see sites from our musical heritage, and hear from local musicians. Registration for the race is now at MaconMusicHalfMarathon.com.
Last year, 614 runners participated in the race from 13 states, one foreign country, and 52 counties in Georgia. It became the largest race longer than a 5K in the region.
"That one day alone, we saw an impact of over $125,000 in direct revenue to our community," said Visit Macon CEO/President Gary Wheat. "That's exceptional for a first-year event."
"We have strong running community here in Macon-Bibb County and we're hoping this will bring on more people to the sport and attract more people to our city," said Macon Tracks President F.M. Barron.
Hosting this race helped Macon-Bibb County be named a Runner Friendly Community bythe Road Runners Club of America for the first time ever. The race was used in addition to years of improvements to the trail system, bike lanes, and roads to make them safer for everyone to use.
That includes bike lanes around Downtown and neighborhoods, expansion of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trails, trails at Amerson River Park and Carolyn Crayton Park, a 12-mile run course with parking and gathering areas, the trails in the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and more. It also pointed out that many of the trails currently being developed or expanded will connect in the next few years to create a trail of 12-15 miles, allowing there to be a half marathon that never crosses a road.