Over the Easter weekend, I mentioned to one of my uncles that I would be running the Hogeye Marathon in Fayetteville on April 10 as my first ever "full" marathon. My uncle told me that he ran the Hogeye in 1981 as his first (and only) marathon.
I expected perhaps some sage running advice or first-time marathon suggestions. He went another route: "It was awful, all 10 of my toenails fell off."
There's nothing quite like familial encouragement and well wishes.
I'm (fairly) positive he was joking. However, he did admit to running in his everyday walking shoes, so the more likely story is that he developed blisters. There are runners who swear by wearing two pairs of socks to prevent this malady during longer runs. I've run several half-marathons with no problems, but I will be doubling up my socks as a precaution. I like my toenails just where they are.
The starting gun will go off for the 40th running of the Hogeye Marathon (and half marathon) at 7 a.m. Sunday at the Fayetteville Square, 2 E. Center St. There will be a 6.5-hour time limit for the 26.2-mile event. Runners who need more time can sign up at the Fitness Expo for a 6 a.m. start. Participants who need the extra hour should be familiar with the course, as course marshals won't be in their posts until 7.
There is no 10K option, but a four-person team could run the marathon relay, which splits the distance up into four legs varying from 5.5 miles to 7.8 miles. The first leg will begin at 7, and shuttles will take runners to and from the relay exchange points.
A 5K run/walk will start just after the marathon.
All races will end in Wilson Park.
Online registration is available until midnight Thursday. The marathon costs $100, the half-marathon $85, the 5K $40, and a relay team will pay $185.
Packet pickup and late registration will be accepted 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Fitness Expo in The Chancellor Hotel, 70 N. East Ave. Late registration -- assuming the events aren't full -- will cost an extra $5 per runner. There will be a pasta dinner, also at the Chancellor, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of the Boston Marathon, will speak. Tickets for the pasta dinner will be sold only at the Fitness Expo, while supplies last. Runners can get a ticket for $10, nonrunners will pay $15 ($5 for children), cash or check only.
Race-day packet pickup will be open from 5 to 6:30 a.m. at the Chancellor. 5K runners can register on race day from 5 to 6 a.m., but there will be no race-day registration for any of the other distances.
The Chancellor is the host hotel, but the rooms reserved for runners were sold out as of March 23. I was told that more rooms might open up, so it's worth checking, but I didn't want to risk waiting. I found a room within walking distance of the Chancellor for about half the price. What's a few more blocks? Right?
The course is a mixture of street and trail. The marathon and half-marathon courses are primarily the same, except the marathon course will take a lap out and around Lake Fayetteville. The elevation tops out about 1,400 feet. The course reaches its low point about four miles from the finish, so the final miles will be a long, gradual climb.
Runners will be chip-timed and awards will be given three deep overall, and by sex and age group. Runners who complete the marathon, half-marathon or relay races will receive a finisher's medal.
For those interested in marathon record breaking, the men's record was set in 2009 by Chuck Engle of New York at 2:28:04. The women's record was set in 2012 by Leah Thorvilson of Little Rock at 2:52:01.
For registration and more information visit hogeyemarathon.com.
ROCK CITY RAMBLE AND PEDALPALOOZA
The River Market in downtown Little Rock is the place to be Saturday for all things wheel and pedal propelled. The event is tailored to bicycles, but unicycles and tricycles are welcome as well -- just don't forget a helmet.
The kickstand goes up starting at 11 a.m. with the Rock City Ramble bicycle scavenger hunt sponsored by Bobby's Bike Hike of Little Rock. Clues will be scattered around downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock, and teams will compete to see who can gather all their clues the fastest.
Teams can be from two to five members and may register in one of three divisions: competitive, family or Locally Labeled. Family teams pay $15; the other divisions will pay $20. Don't have a team? Individuals can register for $7 and be paired up at the event. Don't have a bike? Bobby's Bike Hike will rent you one at a discounted rate.
About the Locally Labeled division, organizers state, "The Locally Labeled division will take participants on an adventure to our local breweries, distillery and craft food establishments."
For more information and to make reservations, visit bobbysbikehike.com/littlerock.
Don't ride off! Pedalpalooza is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the River Market Pavilions. Intended to be a one-stop-shop for all riders of all skill levels, bike shops and individuals will have booths set up offering sales on used gear and new equipment for the 2016 season. Members of bike advocacy groups and riding clubs will be there to interact with and answer questions about the cycling community.
Cycling-related art will be on display, bike maintenance advice will abound, and food trucks will be available.
For more information, call (501) 376-4781.
Please send tips for active recreation to
cbyrd@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 04/04/2016