Runners take off from the Freedom Center in the 2014 Fun Run Racing's Firecracker 5K.By Stacy Shaw
Fun Run Racing is excited to announce its first long-distance race, the Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Half Marathon, September 25; the course will traverse the Manassas Battlefield.
Fun Run Racing is a collaboration between Ian Connor, owner of The Running Store in Gainesville, and Rob Dulin, a Prince William high school local and coach. Over the past few years, Fun Run Racing has brought fun, family-friendly races to Prince William County, while supporting the community.
Now Fun Run Racing is pleased to present its first half marathon sponsored by Novant Health and UVA Health System.
Connor said it is something his customers have wanted for a while.
“We have so many runners,” he said, speaking of his customers at The Running Store. “I support their running addictions. They are out there running, and people want to train for something.”
One can always find a long-distance race somewhere, but Connor knows runners prefer to avoid a long commute. If they can run within Prince William with their families there for support them, and also have the chance to run a scenic course, it’s a win-win.
Connor is also confident that Fun Run Racing’s Prince William Half Marathon will attract runners throughout the DMV since it is a chance to get out into the countryside on a historic battleground.
While Connor is excited about the route, he is also pleased with the starting/ ending location, Jiffy Lube Live, the outdoor concert pavilion in Bristow. Jiffy Lube Live is ideal since it can accommodate so many people and so many vehicles.
Along with the location of the race, Fun Run Racing has carefully planned for its date, scheduling it at for September 25, the beginning of marathon season in Northern Virginia.
This timing allows those training for the Marine Corp Marathon or Army Ten Miler to run the Prince William Half Marathon as part of their weekend training.
Taking part in a half marathon is actually something Connor recommends to all his marathon runners.
“You kind of want to know what fitness you’re in. What kind of pace you are going to be able to handle. How properly trained or untrained you are,” he said.
A half-marathon can also be a good goal for intermediate or novice runners, willing to incorporating longer distances in their training.
Fun Run Racing provides some information on renown training methods. Additionally, The Running Store offers distance running training programs.
As per all Fun Run Races, runners can expect a fun atmosphere with music, prizes and surprises. There will be free food and refreshments for participants, post-race festivities.
Runners who register early will receive a custom completion medal; customized running bib and the official Prince William Half Marathon technical performance tee-shirt.
Runners will also be tracked along the way for safety and so friends can follow along. Fastest runners in categories based on age and gender will receive gift certificates to The Running Store.
Connor hopes they can make the Prince William Half Marathon an annual event that local runners train for every year. He wants Fun Run Racing to continue to promote and support.
He is proud of the progress his company has made in the past few years, saying,“Fun Run Racing is embedded in Prince William County.”
Runners will save money by registering early at Fun Run Racing. More information about the race is available on the Fun Run Racing website.
Race participants must be at least 12 years of age.
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