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For dedicated runners living in Tacoma and the South Sound area, the drive to a seasonally favorable marathon may take nearly as long as the event itself. Last year when I began training to run my first marathon, I discovered Tacoma did not have one of its own. Because I couldn’t bring myself to run a likely rain-soaked Seattle marathon, I decided to attend Portland, Oregon’s 35th annual marathon—a three-hour drive from my home in Federal Way.

Beyond the possibility of the trip being inconvenient, however, running a marathon is an event deeply connected to the city in which it is hosted. There is no experience quite like running 26.2 miles around your hometown to make you feel connected to the place where you live. Luckily for South Sound runners without a marathon to call their own, the inaugural Tacoma City Marathon will be held on May 13 this year. Starting on South Market between Ninth and Eleventh, the marathon makes a scenic loop around nearly the entire city west of I-5.

Some may remember the article I wrote last year detailing my marathon training. For those who didn’t catch it, the most important point to remember is that training for a marathon isn’t a task to be undertaken lightly. Marathons are a commitment—not only to go the distance on marathon day—but to train properly in order to prepare for and avoid the serious injuries that can be sustained from lack of adequate training. If this is the first time you’ve heard about the Tacoma marathon and you aren’t already running 35 miles per week, I suggest you consider waiting until next year because you won’t have the time to safely step up to the marathon distances.

Keep in mind running is a fulfilling way to get into shape and training for a marathon is the perfect excuse to do it. For those of you, who are already prepared or train for marathons on a regular basis, registration for Tacoma City Marathon is still open. The full marathon can be registered for a $90 fee after April 15. Remember though, regardless of the price it’s an investment in both your health and the city of Tacoma.

For those who don’t think running a marathon is their cup of tea, the marathon finishes with a last leg through UWT, so at least come outside and cheer on your fellow Tacomans… believe me, they’ll need it. 

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What: Tacoma City Marathon

When: May 13, 2007

Cost: Varies, see Web site for more info.

Time: Full race begins at 7 a.m.

           1/2 marathon begins at 7 a.m.

More info: tacomacitymarathon.com

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