Title
To recognize the 11th Annual Capital City Half Marathon on Saturday, May 3, 2014.
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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 six nations; and
WHEREAS, the Capital City Half Marathon on Saturday, May 3, 2014, has become the ultimate spring celebration of the active, healthy lifestyle in our community with an expected record of 15,000 runners and walkers in three distinct races, including the namesake 13.1-mile half marathon; and
WHEREAS, the Capital City Half Marathon attracts an estimated 40,000 people to Columbus and generates over $4.5 million in visitor spending for our community; and
WHEREAS, in partnership with Capital Kids and the 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 Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and members of City Council; and
WHEREAS, this year's race showcases the best Columbus has to offer, including the Scioto Mile and the Main Street Bridge - which runners in the half marathon will cross as part of a new course that showcases the Scioto Peninsula - and Columbus Commons, which will host post-race festivities like a free Family Fun Day with inflatables and free rides on the carousel at the south end of the park; and
WHEREAS, this year's Capital City Half Marathon will also feature the 4th 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, and the Commit to Be Fit 5K Run and Walk; and
WHEREAS, this year, the Capital City Half Marathon will strive to raise at least $1 million for a variety of charities, including the American Cancer Society's Endurance Program, which encourages participants to run and walk for a reason and is expecting its largest team to date; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council hereby thanks M3S Sports Race Director David Babner and his entire team for creating and growing this event in Columbus, joins all Columbus residents in celebrating the 11th Annual Capital City Half Marathon, and wishes the thousands of runners and walkers the best of luck throughout their journey on Saturday, May 3, 2014.