Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

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2022 Health and Safety Considerations:

Saturday’s weather is forecast to be warmer and more humid than average. Ideal endurance running temperatures are in the mid-40s, and we are forecast to be 20+ degrees warmer than that on race day.

Running in high heat and humidity makes your body more prone to overheating. High humidity prevents your sweat from evaporating and the subsequent cooling effect on your body. Your body tries to cool off by sending more blood to your skin to increase sweating, sending it away from your muscles. This results in increased strain and fatigue earlier and at lower running intensity than you may be used to experiencing at lower temperatures.

Some things you can do before and during the race to avoid trouble:

Do not race if you are feeling ill. The flu and other viral infections are rampant in our community right now. Definitely do not run the race if you have a fever.

Set realistic goals for your pace, which may need to be adjusted depending on your level of exertion during the race.

Eat some extra salt in the days leading up to the race. Consider using an electrolyte gel to help replace what you lose during the race.

Invest in some anti-chaffing balm to prevent “hot spots,” chafing, and blisters. Wet clothing and humidity makes it much easier to develop these uncomfortable conditions.

Wear sweat-wicking fabrics and avoid cotton.

Be aware that it is possible to overhydrate during the race, leading to low sodium in the blood, or hyponatremia. This is a very serious condition. The amount of water each person needs varies by weather conditions, running pace, and body size, among other things. Drink when you feel thirsty, no more than 24 ounces per hour during the race as a general guideline.

Use some of the water at the water stations to wet your head, neck, and chest to help cool down if you feel overheated.

Some warning signs and reasons to seek medical attention during or after the race include:

  • Lightheadness
  • Lethargy
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chills
  • Cool and clammy skin
  • Multiple or recurrent muscle cramps
  • Disorientation

Remember, there is medical help along the course at each water station and at the finish line in the medical tent. Ask for help early, don’t wait!

Lisa Rentz MD
Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates
Director, Novant Health Event Medicine
Chair, Emergency Medicine Peer Review Committee NHGCM

All-New Location Set for 2022 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Expo

FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE USE:

CHARLOTTE – Excitement is building for the 2022 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend. And with just weeks before the November 11-12 event, organizers are thrilled to announce a nearly sold-out Expo location!

Uptown’s eclectic and accessible Victoria Yards (219 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202) will host the 2022 Expo on Friday, November 11 from 10am – 7pm. Runners can pick up bib numbers, event tees, and extras, and engage with sponsors, partners, and friends. Music, beer, and food trucks will set the stage for a full day of fun for anyone who wants to be part of the action.

“We’re busting the template – again – for what, where, and how an event Expo event should be,” said Alaina Williams, Director of Awesome Things for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “Runners, family, friends, and our partners will be in for another out-of-the-ordinary pre-race experience.”

Along with a “wow” experience, organizers wanted to make sure the location was easy to find and easy to get to. Victoria Yards is a surprising, accessible uptown location for both in-and-out visitors and those who want to stay and enjoy the Expo.

“We love the vibe and the energy that come with an Uptown event location,” added Williams, “We also appreciate how easy access and accessible parking can enhance that experience—we think we’ve got both of those covered!”

Williams says the Expo is nearly sold out, but inquiries can be made directly to alaina@runcharlotte.com

The Mano Bella “Bottega” in The Market at 7th Street will host the event’s official pre-race pasta dinner. Runners can show their bib numbers for $2 off their pasta order on Friday, November 11; plus 10% of all sales will go toward Hemby Children’s Hospital.

About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide the runner’s journey, with more than 25 years of experience producing, promoting, timing, and scoring events. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has crowned the local road racing season. The event and its participants have contributed nearly $250,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital.

Runners and friends wishing to learn more or sign up for the event can do so here: https://thecharlottemarathon.com

For more information or race day location access, please contact DC Lucchesi, dc@well-runmedia.com or 704-577-8459.

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Announces Partnership with Chick-fil-A

CHARLOTTE – It’s chicken by a mile! RunCharlotte is excited to announce Chick-fil-A Charlotte’s enhanced partnership in the 2022 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend, November 11-12.

As part of their activation on this partnership, Chick-fil-A Charlotte has elevated its position to presenting sponsorship of the 5k event – which starts minutes after the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Chick-fil-A Charlotte will elevate the race-day experience with branded cowbells at the event finish line, food for staff and volunteers, prizes for an upcoming costume contest, and other extras.

“Chick-fil-A Charlotte is excited to be the presenting partner of the Chick-fil-A 5k in 2022,” said Chick-fil-A operator, Justin Riddle. “With over six years of partnership of the Kids Fun Run, we are looking forward to stepping into the 5K and can’t wait to see you all on race day. Everyone’s invited to visit one of our 52 area restaurants to enjoy their favorites before or after the event!”

If you’ve been to a Charlotte area Chick-fil-A lately, you’ve likely seen the “Chicken by a Mile” in-store signage announcing the November 12 event date and registration information. Race Director Tim Rhodes says the partnership is a perfect fit for the approachable, family friendly 5k event.

“Chick-fil-A Charlotte has been a part of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon success story for years,” added race director, Tim Rhodes. “To have them grow their involvement really speaks to the value we all find in this partnership and the running community.”

About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide the runner’s journey, with more than 25 years of experience producing, promoting, timing, and scoring events. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has crowned the local road racing season. The event and its participants have contributed nearly $250,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital.

Runners and friends wishing to learn more or sign up for the event can do so here: https://thecharlottemarathon.com

For more information or race day location access, please contact DC Lucchesi, dc@well-runmedia.com or 704-577-8459.

 

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Seeks Runner Input for Virtual for 2020 Event

Charlotte, NC — The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon will happen, albeit virtually, in 2020 — and runners will have a say in what this year’s virtual event looks like. RunCharlotte, the marathon’s production and management company, announced the move today with an invitation for runners to participate in a Facebook live event to discuss what they’d like to see in a virtual event.

“Runners are a resilient breed,” said Tim Rhodes, Race Director for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “We’re used to overcoming obstacles, digging deep, and managing unique situations on-the-fly. This is no different. We’re ready to embrace the opportunity with the Charlotte running community, our partners, and friends!”

Rhodes agreed a virtual event isn’t anyone’s first choice, but added runners have experienced enough virtual races by now to know what they’d like to see.

The decision on this year’s events was made in consult with the team at Novant Health, the marathon’s title sponsor and official medical care provider.

“As a sponsor of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, and as healthcare providers, we are committed to the health and safety of our community,” said Dr. Lisa Rentz, Director of Novant Health Event Medicine and lead physician for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “For that reason we fully support the decision to postpone the 2020 marathon. We are working diligently to provide the safest experience possible for all our participants and look forward to seeing you in 2021.”

Registrants for the 2020 event will have plenty of options. Runners may engage in a virtual event this November, defer their registration to the November 2021 event, or donate their registration fee to the event’s beneficiary, Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital.

“Committing to a virtual event was not a decision that came easily— we explored every possible option,” added Rhodes. “But with so much uncertainty around events and with everyone’s health in mind, we feel this is the best and safest move to make.”

The 2019 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon was bigger than anticipated; the 26.2-mile race reached capacity, as did the half marathon, and marathon relay. In all, just shy of 6,000 people from 40 states and 8 other countries took to the start line for the 15th annual series of events.

About the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon:

Since 2005, the Charlotte Marathon has capped the year of road racing here in the Queen City. A community-wide celebration of health and wellness, the marathon is a showcase of iconic Charlotte views and historic neighborhoods, winding through uptown, Dilworth, Wilmore and the Gold District, Plaza-Midwood, NoDa, and South Charlotte. Renamed the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon in 2016, the event and its participants have contributed nearly $200,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital.

For more information about the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, see www.runcharlotte.com

Media contact: DC Lucchesi dc@well-runmedia.com 704-577-8459

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