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Wrightsville Beach
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Spring training begins for marathon 

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By Emily Pierce

Intern

For most people, waiting to board a shuttle with hundreds of other people at 5 a.m. isn’t the preferred way to spend a Sunday, but for Wrightsville Beach Marathon runners, it adds to the excitement. Each year, thousands of people run the Wrightsville Beach Marathon, as well as the three-day event’s other races, like Eli’s One Mile Run and the 5k. Short distance races will take place Saturday afternoon March 21 with full and half marathons beginning very early Sunday morning March 22.

There are many ways people find the motivation to run. Frank Bourque, a longtime runner and Wrightsville Beach Marathon participant, said he found just by running, he practices a healthier lifestyle.

“The group that I run with helps support that and keeps me active,” Bourque said. “It also allows me to be mentally tough because the mental preparation varies with each course.”

Former Wrightsville Beach Marathon runners Ed George and Kemp Burdette qualified for the Boston Marathon at the 2014 event.

“You have to get the mileage in,” Burdette said. “You can’t make up for training in a couple of weeks, because it takes a long time to build up. You also have to work out in other areas of the gym to be able to push yourself up hills. It’s not just about running distance. Keeping up the work outs and nutrition gives me motivation. I love the way running a race provides a goal to reach.”

The Wrightsville Beach Marathon course is available to practice on during the weeks leading up to the race.

Though registration for the full 26-mile marathon is already closed for 2015, there are four more races to choose from, celebrity guest speakers, live music and food available. The nearly 500 volunteers keep the lines moving so there is no waiting around for a T-shirt or pasta dinner.

The event raises money for two main charities: the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the Landfall Foundation. During the past six years, more than $140,000 has been donated to help find a cure for multiple myeloma and fund Wilmington area nonprofit organizations.

Tom Clifford, marathon director, said typically the donations also go beyond these two charities.

“Any small groups, churches, and schools that bring in volunteers get a check for volunteering,” Clifford said. “This race really gives back to our community.”

For more information on the Wrightsville Beach Marathon, visit www.wrightsvillebeach
marathon.com

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