1. You DON’T have to run the whole marathon.
Seriously. There’s a half marathon, a 5K, AND two relays. Most of us can walk/run a 5K, so there really is a race for every type of runner! Grab some friends and rock a relay, parlay your fitness from Wilmington, Chicago, Boston, or whatever and run the half or the 5k. It’s all good.
2. You get ALL the goodies!
That’s right. You get all the swag, the expo at NoDa Brewing Company, the finish line experience, etc., no matter which distance you run. Be a part of the pre-event packet pick-up party at the expo; no need to grab your gear and go. There will be official merch from Craft Sportswear, too. And this stuff looks GRRRREEAT, yall! At the finish, you’ll also get a medal that’ll hang heavy on your neck in the BEST way, a tasty NoDa beer, finish line goodies from Publix, Dole, and a bunch more.
3. Sleep in your own bed.
Can we really oversell the value of a good night’s sleep? (And that’s not just a gratuitous toss to BEDGEAR, our Official Pillow Partner.) So forget the nightmare logistics, folks. You get to sleep at your own house, eat your own banana and PB toast, and drive your own car to the race. Can’t beat that! Not to even mention the fact that AFTER the race, you can mosey on home — to your own home! Your dog will be so happy to see you. Your kids will wait on you hand and foot. Maybe you can even get them to make you dinner! (We can dream, right?)
4. It’s probably in your own backyard (or close to it)
You get the comfort and confidence of running the streets you’ve likely trained on. You know these streets, but you’ll see them in a whole new way during the event. New to town? There’s literally no better highlight reel of some of Charlotte’s favorite neighborhoods. (Sure wish we could include them all!). Let your neighbors and friends cheer you on!
5. You really can do this!
We wouldn’t say it if we didn’t mean it. And it’s still not too late to get in on one of the November 13 events. Check it out at thecharlottemarathon.com