Charlotte’s 7th Annual Thunder Road Marathon is calling on area neighborhoods to take part in its “Neighborhood Association Challenge” to support the thousands of runners who will take to thestreets of Charlotte on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.
Geared toward neighborhoods along the course – Eastover, Foxcroft, Myers Park, Dilworth, South End, Wilmore, Gateway/Third Ward, NoDa and Plaza Midwood – Thunder Road Marathon will award two $500 checks to two neighborhoods that put on the best event and showed the most support for the marathon. The winning neighborhood associations are free to utilize the cash as they please.
Participants in the “Neighborhood Association Challenge” are encouraged to be as creative as possible to get the runners pumped up. Requirements for the challenge include: making it public and open to all residents of the neighborhood; promoting it to all neighborhood residents; keeping it outside and along the marathon course; incorporate a racing theme; cheering on the runners; and taking photos. Residents are encouraged to lead the charge with their respective neighborhoods if they would like to be involved in this opportunity.
“Thunder Road Marathon is a community event that draws in runners from all over the country and Canada so we have a great opportunity to show off the spirit and camaraderie of Charlotte,” said Tim Rhodes, race director of the Thunder Road Marathon. “We encourage all neighborhoods, residents and businesses along the course to come out and cheer the runners. Powerful crowd support is incredibly motivating during all stages of the race.”
To register for the “Neighborhood Association Challenge” or for any questions, contact Ashleigh Lawrence atAshleigh@runforyourlife.com.
Registration for the 2011 Marathon is open and is available online at www.runcharlotte.com. Both the 7th Annual Thunder Road Marathon (a Boston Marathon Qualifier) and Amica Insurance Half-Marathon will take place on certified courses starting at 7:45 a.m. The Presbyterian Hospital 5K will begin at 8:15 a.m. Entry fees are as follows:Now thru Nov. 4: Marathon – $95, Half-Marathon – $65 and 5K – $35; and at the pre-event Expo (Nov. 10-11):Marathon – $125, Half-Marathon – $90 and 5K – $45. There is also a double medal opportunity for those who run the Dowd YMCA Run Half-Marathon (Oct. 22, 2011) and the Thunder Road Marathon or Amica Insurance Half-Marathon.
About Event Marketing Services, Inc.
Event Marketing Services, Inc. has been involved in producing running and endurance events in Charlotte, N.C. since 1995. It is also affiliated with Run For Your Life – Charlotte’s oldest running retailer with four locations in Dilworth, University, Piper Glen and SouthPark and the official Registration and Timing & Scoring provider for the Thunder Road Marathon. About Thunder Road Marathon
The Thunder Road Marathon is the second largest marathon in the Carolinas and unites the excitement of road racing, music, family-friendly entertainment and the Charlotte region’s rich heritage of stock car racing. Featuring a marathon, half-marathon and 5K run, the event draws participants from 48 different states and Canada. In its six-year history, the race has raised more than $250,000 for local charities. For more information or to register or volunteer for the 7th Annual Thunder Road Marathon (Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011), zoom to www.runcharlotte.com. Stayed connected with Thunder Road Marathon on Facebook and Twitter at @ThunderRoadCLT. 
Event Marketing Services, Inc. has been involved in producing running and endurance events in Charlotte, N.C. since 1995. It is also affiliated with Run For Your Life – Charlotte’s oldest running retailer with four locations in Dilworth, University, Piper Glen and SouthPark and the official Registration and Timing & Scoring provider for the Thunder Road Marathon. About Thunder Road Marathon
The Thunder Road Marathon is the second largest marathon in the Carolinas and unites the excitement of road racing, music, family-friendly entertainment and the Charlotte region’s rich heritage of stock car racing. Featuring a marathon, half-marathon and 5K run, the event draws participants from 48 different states and Canada. In its six-year history, the race has raised more than $250,000 for local charities. For more information or to register or volunteer for the 7th Annual Thunder Road Marathon (Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011), zoom to www.runcharlotte.com. Stayed connected with Thunder Road Marathon on Facebook and Twitter at @ThunderRoadCLT.
