L-R, Lt. Darren Gallup of the Special Enforcement Bureau of the Joplin Police Department; Patrick Tuttle of the Joplin Sports Authority, director of operations; and Vince Lindstrom, director of the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau, one of the event sponsors, chat over combined efforts to make the Inaugural Mother Road Marathon a success.
Attendees at a media event stand on an island a short distance away from the finish line of the Mother Road Marathon. For the advantage of runners the approach to the finish line on Tri-State Road is flat.
Officials of the Mother Road Marathon, a certified Boston Marathon qualifier, planned for 10-10-10 (October 10, 2010) met with the media recently on Tri-State Road, in sight of both the Joplin Athletic Complex and the finish line of the race. The 26.2 mile full marathon will start in Commerce Oklahoma, traverse three states and follow the historic Route 66. Other race options will include a 13.1 mile half marathon, dubbed the Joplin Half Marathon, that will begin in Baxter Springs, KS near the Field of Dreams and a 5K race and one mile Fun Run that will take place solely in Joplin. 200 awards will be handed out to the top three finishers in 12 age groups from 19 and under to over 70. Walkers are welcome although race numbers and timing chips are required to participate. Marathoners will receive a high quality "tech" shirt; a t-shirt will be given to participants of the 5K and Fun Run. Finishers will receive medals.
One of the exciting aspects of the Mother Road Marathon, officials point out, is its historic course that takes runners through three states--Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. For individual maps of each race go here. Traffic control for the event will begin at 6 a.m. and portions of the route will be shut down at various times. Drivers are encouraged to consider this situation when planning their day.
"Who ever thought Joplin would become a running town?" commented Audie Dennis who headed the Boomtown half marathon that took place in June. He referred to several meetings that had taken place, always with the question, "when is something going to happen?" With increased interest in Route 66, Dennis said, finally the ideas coalesced.
A Mother Road rock 'n roll theme will be integrated into all event activities with on-course music, '50s cars scattered along the route, a post race live band and maps denoting historic designations. From 5-7 p.m. the evening before the race a pasta party catered by Caldone's will take place at the American Legion Club, 413 S. Schifferdecker Ave., Joplin. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for kids.
Registration will take place until 5 p.m. on October 9. For more information about fees and how to register go here. Packet pick-up is the same day with a Runners Health & Fitness Expo scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Transportation will be provided for participants to the start line and for La Quinta Inn guests to the start line and back to the hotel. Spectators must provide their own transportation.
Michael Beatty, publisher of The Joplin Globe, described how the newspaper is planning a comprehensive insert on the Mother Road Marathon for an upcoming edition. A former runner, he became an example of the seriousness in being awarded a medal. Even as "Globe" publisher, he was told he "has to finish the race in order to get it." Beatty was former publisher of The Baltimore Examiner before he took over the helm of "The Globe" last February 2010.
Speaking on behalf of the involvement of kids was Warren Turner, retired Missouri Southern State University baseball coach. Getting the kids involved is "what we're excited about," Turner said. Elementary students, he said, would be provided a map of the area, including the location of Mickey Mantle's home, as motivation for gaining interest in their communities and becoming involved. Structured recesses at schools in September, he said, will allow them to prepare for running. Importantly, Turner would like kids as spectators, especially at the finish line.
Lt. Darren Gallup, spokesperson for the Joplin Police Department, said that "all what-ifs" are being considered to make sure everyone is taken care of. This effort includes the coordination of law enforcement, ambulance districts and even people on the state level. He especially wanted the media to get the word out about the route and how movement of vehicles may be temporarily impacted.
According to Dean Reinke whose Reinke Sports Group of Winter Park, FL represents the US Running Association, so far 577 women, 397 men and 26 corporate teams have registered for the event. They are from 34 different states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Initially, Reinke said organizers had been planning for 500 entrants, now with all the enthusiasm expressed for the event, he thinks that 1500 would be a better estimate.
"We get 20% to register the last week," Reinke said. "So, do the figures."
Vince Lindstrom, director of the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau, sees a surge in booking hotel and motel rooms in the area for the October weekend. He anticipates that rooms will be booked in advance for future second Saturdays in October when the marathon becomes a signature event.
The belief that the race will finally put Joplin on the map was expressed. Joplin's connection with Route 66 finally will be more than just words in a song.
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