Title
To recognize the 10th Annual Capital City Half Marathon on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
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WHEREAS, the Capital City Half Marathon, founded in 2004 by M3S Sports, has steadily grown into one of the largest half marathons in the Midwest and continues its evolution into a regional and national event with participants from 50 states and several nations; and
WHEREAS, the Capital City Half Marathon slated for Saturday, May 4, 2013 has become the ultimate spring celebration of the active, healthy lifestyle in our community with an expected record of 16,000 runners/walkers and features four distinct races, including the namesake 13.1 mile half marathon; and
WHEREAS, the Capital City Half Marathon attracts an estimated 30,000 people to downtown Columbus and generates over $4 million in visitor spending in restaurants, retail, transportation, recreation, and lodging; and
WHEREAS, in partnership with The Capital Kids and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, M3S Sports and the Capital City Half Marathon held the "Be a Champion - Youth Training program." to encourage children to participate and qualify to run the final .1 mile of the Capital City Half Marathon and cross the finish line with the Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and members of City Council; and
WHEREAS, this year's 10th anniversary race showcases the City's two signature downtown parks by starting on Front Street near the Scioto Mile and finishing at the Columbus Commons, which will also feature all of the post-race festivities, including a free Family Fun Day featuring inflatables and free rides on the popular Carousel at the south end of the Commons; and
WHEREAS, this year's Capital City Half Marathon will also feature the 3rd Annual Capital City Quarter Marathon, which will take runners and walkers along a 6.55-mile course through downtown Columbus and the Short North Arts District; the Commit to Be Fit 5K Run/Walk; and the Capital Kids Mascot Chase, an annual fun run for children and mascots of all ages with all proceeds benefiting the Capital Kids Afterschool program; and
WHEREAS, this year, the Capital City Half Marathon will strive to raise at least $1 million for a variety of charities - including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, which expects to bring its largest team to date and raise over $200,000 for this event alone, and the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation programs - through a program that encourages participants to "run and walk for a reason."; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby thank M3S Sports Race Director David Babner and his entire team for creating and growing this champion event in Columbus and along with all the citizens of Columbus we celebrate the10th Edition of the annual Capital City Half Marathon and wish the thousands of runners and walkers the best of luck throughout their journey on Saturday, May 4, 2013.