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Top Marathon Turkeys Converge on Alabama's Beaches
11/19/2009
GULF SHORES and ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Drop that drumstick leftover, and escape the boredom of a typical Thanksgiving weekend in front of the television at the 2009 Kaiser Realty Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, which will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) in Orange Beach, Ala.
Produced by Team-Magic and the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (AGCSC), this event features a scenic USATF certified course that begins at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, travels along a paved trail through a lush wooded area and progresses to the beach road (for the half marathon only) before ending at the Sportsplex. The 5K and 1 mile run will be held entirely on the paved back country trail. Except for packet pick-up at Tacky Jack’s on Friday, all race events – including the post-race party – will be held at the Sportsplex.
In addition to welcoming more athletes this year, the race also showcases over $5,000 in prizes. Prizes will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers in the following categories: overall, masters overall and age groups (in five year intervals ranging from 14 to 80-plus). In addition, every participant who successfully completes the half marathon will receive a commemorative finisher medal. Meanwhile, numerous door prizes will be given away throughout the race.
Registration is $60.00 for the half-marathon, $30.00 for the 5K, and $15.00 for the 1 mile fun run. Although online registration will close at midnight on Nov. 24, race officials will welcome late registration during packet pick-up from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tacky Jack’s Bar and Grill and from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Saturday before the race. To register online, visit www.team-magic.com.
Also, note that the Iron Bowl action will begin at 1:30 p.m. as Alabama and Alabama square off in this annual match. Pick up your race packet at Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach, cheer on your favorite team and enjoy an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner special ($7.99) provided by Tacky Jack’s.
On Saturday, the half-marathon will start at 8:00 a.m. followed by an 8:15 a.m. start for both the 5K and 1 mile fun run. At 9:30 a.m., an awards ceremony for both the 5k and 1 mile fun run will be held and then at 11:00 a.m., the half-marathon winners will collect their awards. All race participants must complete their respected courses by noon. Be sure to stay at the Orange Beach Sportsplex for the post race party with Miller Genuine Draft Lite 64 and food from many local restaurants, including Tacky Jack’s.
In addition, individuals wishing to volunteer their time and talent for this event may register online at www.team-magic.com. Volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday for a variety of duties and varying times.
Also, the community is urged to participate in the Boat Load of Beans Food Drive, organized by the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center. Food generated from the first IFA Championship drive resulted in a 3,386 pound donation of food to the Christian Service Center in Gulf Shores. Hoping to build on this success, the drive will be continued at the half-marathon.
The following holiday-type food items are needed: canned soup, ramen noodles, jelly, yams/sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, greens, canned corn, stuffing mix, gravy mix and canned tuna.
Drop off your food items early at Kaiser Realty’s main office in Gulf Shores, Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach and the Welcome Centers in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Donations may also be dropped off at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on the day of the race.
The 2009 Kaiser Realty Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run is made possible through the title sponsorship of Kaiser Realty and these sponsors: Tacky Jack’s, Miller Genuine Draft Lite 64, AL.com, All Sport, H20, Hammer Nutrition and Publix.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission will welcome one final event in 2009, which is the Gulf Shores Christmas Basketball Tournament (December 18-19).
For information, please visit either www.alabamagulfcoastsports.com or www.team-magic.com.
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