Hundreds Expected to Run Syracuse Half Marathon Hundreds Expected to Run Syracuse Half Marathon

4300 people have registered for the Syracuse Half Marathon.

KELLY: I’m here at the OnCenter. On Sunday 43 hundred people will complete the half marathon right here in front of the War Memorial. Vice President of Upstate Event Management – Matt Werder – says the marathon brings runners in by creating a “a big-race” atmosphere – from the medal finishers receive to the post-race party at the OnCenter.

WERDER: It’s just always so inspiring to see how many people come out and participate in this. So our goal is just to continue to put on an awesome event that people want to come out and be a part of and experience Syracuse.

KELLY: Werder says they don’t have an exact number of money raised just yet. The money will go to four local animal shelters. Julia Kelly – N-C-C News.

Medal that Reads Syracuse Half Marathon 2018
Runners who finish the half marathon on Sunday will receive this medal to honor their accomplishment.
© 2018 Julia Kelly

By Julia Kelly  SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)  The 7th Annual Syracuse Half Marathon kicks off Sunday, Nov. 11. Forty three hundred people have registered to run in one of the biggest races in Syracuse.

Event organizers said they are  prepared to create an event that meets the expectations of a big-city race.

“We really have tried to go for the big race feel, which you typically only get in major events in major cities,” said Matt Werder, vice president of Upstate Event Management. “We try to do everything premium.” 

 

Grey and orange jacket with Syracuse Half Marathon logo.
Matt Werder, vice president of Upstate Event Management, said the Syracuse Half Marathon is one of the biggest races in the area. People who participate are given the jacket seen above.
© 2018 Julia Kelly

Werder said people who registered received a jacket. People who finish the half marathon receive a medal. A party with a band and food will be held at the OnCenter after the race.

Werder attributes the community response to the experience the Half Marathon provides. He said the event is not possible without hundreds of volunteers work from the Saturday evening into the Sunday morning of the race.

“It’s a pretty massive effort to pull off something of this size,” said Werder. 

From the volunteers to the runners, Werder said the people make the experience worthwhile.

“The thing that makes the biggest impact on me personally is the stories of people who do this as their first half marathon … and just being able to see those folks as they cross the finish line,” said Werder.

The 13-mile course begins at the OnCenter in downtown Syracuse and winds around the city. The finish line is in front of the War Memorial.

Werder said  organizers expect to raise thousands of dollars this year, and the money will benefit four local animal shelters. Runners donated when they registered, and picked up registration packets from Fleet Feet, a store for runners. The store’s owner, Ed Griffin, is director of sponsorship for the marathon.

 

 

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