Runners enjoy weather, city tour / LJWorld.com

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Kansas University junior Meghan McElwain, right, of Oakland, Calif., helps KU sophomore Eliza Smithson off the track Sunday after Smithson finished the TherapyWorks Half Marathon at Haskell Stadium. Smithson, of Overland Park, said it was her first half marathon. "I've never had so many people tell me I could do it," she said. "I was so motivated."

By Alexander Parker

April 21, 2008

Lawrence hosts half marathon and 5K

The race is on again, as runners took off for the second Lawrence Half Marathon and 5K run. Enlarge video

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The thousands of runners that descended on Lawrence on Sunday for the TherapyWorks Half Marathon and 5K got more than they bargained for. In addition to perfect weather and fewer hills, runners got a tour of Lawrence that opened the eyes of even those familiar with the city.

"I saw parts of Lawrence today I hadn't seen before in my life," said Matt Brisch, a Kansas University graduate who lives in Kansas City, Mo. Brisch got his first glimpse of Oak Hill Cemetery, and his tour of Lawrence included running past the home of author William Burroughs as well as Kansas University's campus and a stop on the Underground Railroad, culminating with a lap around the track at Haskell Stadium. The race began at Haskell Indian Nations University's Coffin Sports Complex.

The course, Brisch said, "was an extraordinary tour of Lawrence. A great way to see the university and east Lawrence. Just a wonderful way to see the community."

Complaints were few on a day that brought about 2,100 runners from 28 states - some from as far away as Hawaii and Wyoming - to Lawrence.

The race is in its second year, having replaced the Raintree Run in 2007.

"Everybody loves the new course, loved the fact that we got rid of the steep hill," said Marcia Riley, who served as co-director of the race with her husband, Steve. "They really loved it and indicated that they would come back."

The half marathon raised funds for Health Care Access, and Steve Riley said this year's earnings exceeded the $42,000 raised in 2007.

The clinic, which provides medical care to the uninsured, increase its staff and number of clinic rooms, said Nikki King, executive director.

"The way that this community pulled together to help out those that are really struggling to make ends meet is really amazing to me," King said, noting that the funds make up 9 percent of her organization's budget.

Organizers were pleased that the weather stayed clear, and one runner described the temperatures as ideal for running.

Lawrence resident Joanne Renfro ran the 5K portion of the event and saw parents running with their young children.

"That's the great thing about a 5K," she said. "It's really for everybody."

Runners praised community members for supporting them as they jogged through Lawrence.

"Lawrence is such a neighborhood-type community," Brisch said. "There were really some healthy crowds that came out and cheered on the runners."

He said some were even passing out water and oranges to participants.

Renfro said the enthusiastic crowds inspired her as she entered the last leg of the 5K.

"It's interesting coming down the stretch because everybody, no matter how tired you are, tries to give it a little kick" to finish strong, she said.

Despite the large number of runners, Steve Riley said there were no reports of serious injuries or accidents. Renfro said traffic did not appear to be adversely affected by the race, and other runners credited the organization of the Rileys with contributing to a successful morning.

"A world-class event," Brisch said.

Discussion

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21 April 2008
at 8:18 a.m.

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geppetto (Anonymous) says…

What a crappy race. I didn't feel the energy at the start. Usually your pump to start but there was confusion, there was not DJ, there was nothing. 1/2 Marathon runners start going north but then right after some one yell yo the 5K to start going on the opposite direction. The worst was the finish. I would not be surprise if someone got injured running to the down field. How could this race be USATF certified? There was not CHIP timing. This race was a joke and so poorly organized.
21 April 2008
at 8:27 a.m.

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grean_lantern (Anonymous) says…

Gosh, no surprise for LJW forum that first (and probably most given the quality of posters on this site) comment is negative. The start wasn't the best and chip timing would be nice, but if you need someone to pump you up to run the race, you need a different hobby. The race was run with over 500 volunteers, great community support, over 2000 runners with cheering, enthusiastic crowds, wonderful traffic control from LPD and a fantastic course. If you didn't enjoy that for 13.1 miles, go run by yourself. I suspect you already do though. Jon King
21 April 2008
at 9:12 a.m.

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workinghard (Anonymous) says…

Be interesting to hear from the drivers affected.
21 April 2008
at 9:51 a.m.

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lubyloo (Anonymous) says…

This was just my first half-marathon, but I thought that the volunteers did a great job with cheering runners on and that things went fine overall. The steep descent to the track at the end of the race was a little dicey — after running 13 miles, my legs were a little unstable, and I was afraid I might loose my footing on the on the damp grass and fall. That was my only concern, really.
21 April 2008
at 11:43 a.m.

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ilovelucy (Anonymous) says…

I was amazed at the size. I watched at the corner of 7th and Tennessee and must have witnessed 1700 runners pass by. The bluegrass music in the park was a great addition. Good job to all involved! What a beautiful morning for a race…