Have You Heard?
If you haven’t heard already, Charlotte’s hometown marathon has gotten a new name! For eleven years, Charlotteans and runners from all over the U.S. have been familiarized with the Novant Health Thunder Road Marathon. As of January, 2016, the official name has been changed to the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Now in its twelfth year, the race will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. But why the change? According to Tim Rhodes, Race Director of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon,
“The more I thought about it, the more I realized this is Charlotte’s marathon. We should call it that,” said Tim. “So I’m really excited about it. I’m really excited for everyone to embrace it. You will get the same great experience; that doesn’t change. We hope what does change is that more people will identify with it and will want to get involved because they have pride in their city.”
After lots of hard work, strategizing, and creative thinking, a whole new brand was born. From colors and themes to social media and coverage, the rebrand of the marathon was developed to reflect that this event truly belongs to the Charlotte community. The new tagline, “Our Streets. Our City. Our Marathon. #runcharlotte,” embodies this concept in a simple and sharable manner.
What You’ll See:
In every distance during this year’s race, participants will be pleasantly rewarded by all the amazing sites along their journey. Runners will go through a number of Queen City neighborhoods—Uptown, Myers Park, Eastover, Dilworth, South End, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Elizabeth, and Midtown. Each neighborhood will be marked with a number of landmarks along the way. At the start line, runners will see the historical murals at BB&T Ballpark to their left. As they make their way to the Bank of America stadium, a towering Jerry Richardson statue will be there to silently cheer for them. A little farther along the way, visitors and natives will enjoy the amazing southern homes Charlotte is known for, including those in both Eastover and Myers Park. This will then be followed by a run under the legendary canopying oak trees on Queens Road. Full-marathoners will also see some other great sites later in the course, including the iconic “Wall” crafted by the residents of the NoDa neighborhood. All of these attractions are unique to Charlotte—reinforcing the idea that this marathon truly belongs to its people.
Not Able to Run?
This event is about bringing the community together—runners and non-runners alike. Over the years, the efforts to bring more support on to the course has evolved into a “Cheer Station” competition—a part of the marathon where local businesses, groups, neighborhoods and organizations sign up to host a runner-support station along the course. Registered participants receive an assigned location along the course. While the marathon organizers provide some fun items like sunglasses and cowbells, it’s up to each participant to make the station their own. Past groups have had lots of fun with this—dressing in costumes, waving signs, and even setting up their own dance parties at their stations! After the race, the runners vote on the best Cheer Station, and the top three winners get either $1,000 (first place) or $500 (second and third place) donated to the charity of their choice.
The Details:
The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon features a marathon, half-marathon, 5K run/walk, relay, and a 1-mile kids’ fun run. This magical event draws participants from all over the United States. It will take place in Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, Nov. 12. For more information or to register, visit www.runcharlotte.com.
