March Course Connection: Early bird prices extended, Miles 5-8 Preview, Guest Blog and more

March 2020

Stay positive. Stay healthy. Keep Running!

We are closely monitoring the developments of the COVID-19 virus and its far-reaching impact. In the midst of this unprecedented time of uncertainty, one thing we know for sure is the physical and mental benefits of getting out and being active, safely.

Get out there and walk or run, find a new trail, check out sidewalk art, wave at neighbors, breathe fresh air and feel the rhythm of your body. If you are lucky enough to have a treadmill, wear it out! Whether, you’re keeping up a regular routine, changing it up or getting started, we’re in this together!

Let’s stay connected. As you are out and about, please tag us on your social media so we can cheer you on and offer encouragement. While we need to run separately today, we know it’s so we can run together this fall!

We are moved by the kindness and positivity that abounds in our community of runners and walkers. In that spirit, our early bird pricing has been extended to the end of April.

As we move forward together, remember kindness, patience, love, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude are highly contagious! Don’t wait to catch it from others. Be the carrier! Stay connected with family and friends. Stay positive. Stay healthy. And of course, keep running!

Sincerely,

Tara Perre, Race Director, on behalf of our Board and Team

Course Corner: Full Marathon Miles 5-8

Miles 5-8 of the Marathon course feature a tunnel going under Hwy. CE and the course's first paved trail as you travel through residential areas in east Appleton – also referred to as Darboy – and Kimberly.

This section of the course is flat and will allow you to develop a rhythm and pace that will be valuable to you in miles down the road. You'll also pass three different water stations, the first ‘Relay Exchange Zone’ and the Heart of the Valley YMCA.

Read more at foxcitiesmarathon.org .

Pictured: Runners exit the tunnel under Hwy. CE in Kimberly during the 2018 race.

Guest Blog: Do You Really Need Another List?

Part 2 of You’ve Picked Your Event … now what?

"Last month I shared a list of suggestions for how to prepare for your fall target race to assure that you move forward without losing that motivation and energy in the process. I shared ways to prepare, organize your schedule, find your people, etc.

"How can the world feel so different in a matter of weeks?! There is a lot of uncertainty, a lot of unknowns about the coming months. What with running so often a metaphor for how we can approach the rest of our lives, perhaps this final list of ways to prepare for training can benefit you well beyond the time you spend on the roads."

Read more from our guest blogger Leah Shapiro of Fleet Feet Fox Valley.

In the News: Focus on Fox Valley with Hayley Tenpas

Race Director Tara Perre talked with WHBY about the new additions for this year's marathon! They also touched on coronavirus and how to stay active. Interview starts around 13 minutes.

Celebrate our 30th with a Commemorative Jacket

We're celebrating in style with a special commemorative jacket. You can too!

Jackets come in men’s and women’s colors and sizes, are available during the registration process and are only $20.

Proceeds from the jacket will be part of the give back to the community for this year’s event. We anticipate reaching a milestone of $1 Million Dollars put back into the community over the years and are grateful for your role in making that happen.

Help us celebrate 30 years of miles, moments, and memories!

Check out the jackets today ... you can buy as part of your registration or purchase on it's own .

Local Race Scene

April Fools' 5K goes to Virtual Race due to

COVID-19

The 10th Annual OSI/Miron April Fools' 5K is now a Virtual Race.

While details are still being worked out, you can still participate and support this fund-raiser that benefits Appleton North, East and West athletic programs.

Visit their registration site to sign up and for details.

Sturgeon Shuffle 5K & 10K cancelled due to COVID-19

This year's Sturgeon Shuffle has been cancelled. Participants have the choice to donate their registration fees to backpack programs in our region OR get a refund of their registration fees.

Proceeds benefit Project Backpacks in New London and Waupaca and Rapids Family Backpacks. These organizations are working to stamp out hunger in schools.

Save the Date!

Sturgeon Shuffle 10K 5K

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Visit their website for details.

Sole Burner & Paw Burner

postponed due to

COVID-19

The American Cancer Society Sole Burner 5K Walk/Run and Paw Burner is postponed and the Virtual Race remains open.

Details are still being worked out. Until then, organizers encourage you to continue building teams and fundraising for the American Cancer Society, "Cancer does not stop, so we must do all we can to continue to fuel our mission during this challenging time – cancer patients and their families are counting on us."

The Sole Burner unites around 5,000 passionate cancer fighters and running enthusiasts to raise funds in the fight against cancer.

Visit their registration site for details.