More than 400 runners from 15 states have registered for the Secret City Half Marathon and Relay in November, an organizer said Monday.
The 13.1-mile race could have up to 800 runners, said Frank Chmielewicz. The race starts and ends at the National Fitness Center on Briarcliff Avenue, and the course includes Oak Ridge streets and greenways, including Melton Lake Greenway on the city’s waterfront.
Proceeds benefit the Anderson County Child Advocacy Center, which helps children who have been victims or witnesses to physical abuse, sexual abuse, or other crimes.
Besides the Half Marathon and Relay, there is also a Secret City Half Marathon 4 Kids, Chmielewicz said. It’s for children from first grade to sixth grade.
“The free event encourages children to exercise by establishing a fun and exciting goal for them to strive toward,” Chmielewicz said. “Participants will run a total of 12 miles leading up to race morning. On race day, children will run the last 1.1 miles.”
All participants get an official race number, race shirt, and goody bag. Medals will be given to those children who are pre-registered and cross the finish line, Chmielewicz said.
The race starts at 8 a.m. Nov. 18.
Chmielewicz said Emory Valley Road between the Oak Ridge Marina and Briarcliff Avenue will be closed to traffic from about 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 18 for the run. In addition, Briarcliff Avenue between Emory Valley and Laboratory roads will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. that day. One lane of Oak Ridge Turnpike traveling east will be closed.
“Expect delays on Melton Lake drive due to runners crossing the street to run on the greenway,” Chmielewicz said.
He said the race is being conducted with help from the city of Oak Ridge.
There will be a Saturday evening pasta dinner after the race to raise money for the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.
For more information, visit http://secretcityhalfmarathon.com/.
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