One of our favorite inaugural events of 2011 was the Martinsville Half Marathon. The cool March morning was perfect running weather—seemed like half the field PRed that day. Plentiful and enthusiastic volunteers and cheering sections along the route made the challenging course a little bit easier. Two different out-and-backs let us high-five our speedier (or less speedy) running buds.
You begin the race at the Martinsville Family YMCA (next to the Virginia Museum of Natural History), and then wind through historic uptown Martinsville before embarking on a double out-and-back tour of the 4.5-mile Dick & Willie Trail. Save a little in the tank during those downhills, because you’ve got a long gradual climb back to the Uptown Spur and the finish line.
Elevation, 2011 Martinsville Half Marathon
If you missed the inaugural event, be sure to sign up for the second edition. Martinsville races are always fun events with lots of excellent runner-friendly hospitality.
Race: Martinsville Half Marathon and 5K
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Time: 8 a.m.
Place: The Family YMCA, 3 Starling Ave., Martinsville, VA
Cost: Half—$35, $40 after Jan. 15, $45 after March 1; 5K—$15/$20/$25 (same date cutoffs)
Registration and race info here >>