Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon Kickoff Weekend

The 29th Annual Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon will take place on October 18, 2008. In order to kick your training into high gear, The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon is hosting a Marathon Kickoff Weekend in conjunction with the Columbus International Triathlon & Sports Festival at Antrim Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 – 19. The Kickoff Weekend of events will include the following: Saturday, July 18: -Youth Fun Run -5K Run or Walk -10K Run or Walk -10 Mile Run or Walk -Columbus Open Water Swims – 0.75K, 1.5K, & 3.0K swims Sunday, July 19: -Columbus International Triathlon -Columbus Sprint Triathlon -Columbus Sprint Duathlon The event is staged at Antrim Park and features one of the favorite courses among Ohio and regional athletes. From the swim in the spring-fed Antrim Lake, to the blazing fast bike course down S.R. 315, to the scenic run along the Olentangy River and around Antrim Lake. Part of your entry fee goes to the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s park fund to help support and maintain the park’s facilities and conservation programs. COURSE DESCRIPTION The water portion of the open water swims and triathlons begins on the south side of the deck on the west side of Antrim Lake. Triathlons, (not the duathlon which will be a mass start) will start in a time trial format with competitors entering the water one or two at a time. As participants exit the Transition Area for the bike portion of their event, they will head out of Antrim Park and begin what will be a series of right hand turns that will take them on multiple loops of the bike course through Columbus, Worthington, Sharon Township and Perry Township. The Olentangy Bike Path will be used for the run portion for all events. From transition, multisport runners will head south past Antrim Lake on the asphalt bike path to connect with the limestone path of Antrim Lake. The triathlon will use a unique ‘time trial’ start that is rarely used for these types of competitions. What makes it interesting is that one never knows how one places (either overall or in an age group) until the last competitor crosses the line. The first person to finish is not necessarily the winner… and the last person to cross the finish line is not necessarily in last place in the event. In addition, the swim portion is very comfortable and controlled for all competitors regardless of their swimming ability. The youth run will be started from the deck on the lake with the runner doing one loop on the path around the lake. The start will be on the north side of the deck and the finish on the south side of the deck. EVENT SCHEDULE Saturday, July 18 Registration/Packet pick-up at Antrim Park 7:00 am - 2:00 pm Nationwide Better Health 10K & 10 Miler 8:00 am Nationwide Better Health 5K 9:00 am Nationwide Better Health Youth Run 11:00 am Open Water Swims 1.50K Swim 12:00 pm 0.75K Swim 1:00 pm 3.00K Swim 1:30 pm Sunday, July 19 Triathlon & Duathlon Schedule Multisport Packet pick-up 5:00 am Transition Opens 5:30 am Transition Closes 6:45 am Event Formation Begins 6:30 am Triathlon & Duathlon START 7:00 am Course Closing Swim Course 8:30 am Bike Course 10:00 am Run Course 11:30 am Award Ceremony TBD Swim Caps colors and numbers will be assigned and must be worn. You will not be able to start the swim without your swim cap. AWARDS Triathlon & Duathlon The top three overall finishers by gender and the top three division finishers by gender will receive an award commemorating their experience. Each member of the top three relay teams will receive a commemorative award. All finishers will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal. Running/Walking The top three overall finishers by gender and the top three division finishers by gender will receive an award commemorating their experience. All finishers will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal. Open Water Swims See Open Water Swim for award and division structure Race divisions, it is important to sign up as soon as possible to ensure an award is ordered. DIVISIONS Event division available to participants: Running/Walking/Triathlon/Duathlon Age divisions – Male & Female: Under 19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, etc... Triathlon/Duathlon - Clydesdale (Men 200 lbs +) and Athena (Female 150 lbs+) Triathlon/Duathlon - Relay Teams – 1 category only ENTRY FEE - see web site for details, as fees vary by date registered and race type: July 18 Event