Submitted
The Secret City Half Marathon and 5K has grown into one of the largest athletic events in Oak Ridge. A field of an estimated 700 runners and walkers will participate when the race celebrates its seventh anniversary on Saturday, November 21.
“This year we have totally revamped the event, and we think participants are going to really enjoy the changes,” says Lisa Kendall, race director for the half marathon and 5K races and event sales manager for the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In the past, the event was held over two days but that is down to one day with both races starting just 15 minutes apart. The previous “double loop” half marathon route is gone, replaced with a route that starts and finishes on the Melton Lake peninsula and includes Union Valley Road, home to the Rogers Group, which is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.
“We are thrilled that the Roger’s Group gave us permission to route the race down their private road and by their quarry,” Kendall said. “It’s a very scenic route that will be new to many Oak Ridgers as well.”
This year’s event will also include a Health and Wellness Tent sponsored by Methodist Medical Center staffed with local physician groups offering complimentary exams. Physician groups participating and example of valuable services offered:
● Parkway Cardiology (instant cholesterol checks),
● Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics (orthopaedic injury evaluations),
● Tennessee Urology Associates (vouchers passed out for free PSA testing), and
● Dermatology Associates of Oak Ridge (skin cancer checks).
The public is invited to come out and take advantage of the complementary exams and services offered. The Health and Wellness Tent will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy music courtesy of sponsor WNOX. B&B Bar-BQ will be serving up some fantastic breakfast/lunch fare with a beer garden as well.
Additionally, various local organizations are being supported in their fundraising efforts, so come on out and show your community support! Volunteer positions are still available that require no experience; just a willingness to help! Go to www.SecretCityHalfMarathon.com for event details, participant signups, and volunteer signups. For more information call (865) 482-7821.
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