There will be a beer garden on Sandusky Street for the New Moon Half and Quarter Marathon on May 21.
On Monday, Delaware City Council approved an ordinance permitting the sale and consumption of alcohol at the race between 6 and 10 p.m.
“We’re excited to be back this year,” said Craig Thompson, event organizer for Greenswell, which puts on local athletic events. “This is our third annual run. Last year, we had 900 participants and a rain storm limited us to 600 finishers. This year, 1,300 participants are targeted.”
Like last year, alcohol will be allowed at the race.
Before council’s unanimous vote, Assistant City Manager Jackie Walker said the event will “promote Delaware as a destination community.”
The event raises monies for the Delaware YMCA.
The event’s website says, “The urban run course starts directly in the downtown of Delaware, takes you through the neighborhoods that make up the city, by the home of the Little Brown Jug, through the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University, through the business district, to an exciting downhill finish back at the heart of downtown.”
The race starts and finishes on North Sandusky Street between William and Winter streets, turns west on Pennsylvania Avenue, turns south on Euclid Avenue, turns east on West Lincoln Avenue, turns south to Liberty Street, turns west on Oak Hill Avenue, turns south on Montrose Avenue, east on Park Avenue, south on South Sandusky Street, east on Olentangy Avenue, north on South Henry Street to Delaware Bike Path, west to East Winter, and back on Sandusky for the 6.55 miles. A second loop around the course is a half marathon.
New to this year’s event is the Crescent 5k (3.1-mile) race, Thompson said, adding a third race to the 13.1-mile half marathon and 6.55-mile quarter marathon. The 5k is a 1.55-mile “out-n-back” course counter of the 6.55 course.
There will seven water stations on the course, at each mile, with five more added if the heat index exceeds 80.
“Who can participate? You,” says the event’s site. “We encourage runners and walkers of all shapes, sizes and abilities to participate. The course is open and fully supported for three and a half hours. Walker must be able to walk at an approximately 15:30 pace to complete the half marathon.”
Participants will receive a T-shirt and entry to the post-race Celebration Block Party starting at 7 p.m. with live music, grilled food and summer drinks. Finishers will also receive a medal, mug, and a drink of their choice at the block party.
To register or for more information, visit www.greenswell.com or call 614-425-1156.
