Running events find success in Gettysburg

Visitors lace up their running shoes for a breath-taking experience

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 3/19/2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ...

CONTACT:
Carl Whitehill
Media Relations Manager
Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
(717) 338-1055
[email protected]

Runners are taking their mark in Historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as race organizers blend the small town’s rich Civil War history with beautiful country roads, ideal for events ranging from 5Ks to full marathons.

In the past several years, four major races have risen in the national running circuit, including the Spirit of Gettysburg 5K, the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half-Marathon, the Gettysburg North-South Marathon and the American Odyssey Relay – a race that starts in Gettysburg and ends the next day in Washington, D.C.

“We are excited about the new and continuing opportunities for runners in Gettysburg,” said CVB President Norris Flowers. “Events like these bring together runners, spectators and volunteers to experience the area in a new and energizing way.”

These races are growing in popularity and join an abundant list of Gettysburg area events – including the Gettysburg Festival, the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, the National Apple Harvest Festival and the destination’s numerous Civil War-related activities.

Many of the participating runners, especially in the longer races, are out-of-town visitors that see a unique opportunity to visit Gettysburg and explore the town throughout the race. Race organizers often approach planning with the idea of putting the Battle of Gettysburg – and in some cases, the Gettysburg National Military Park itself – as the backdrop for their events. Athletes who participate in these races take the opportunity to explore the destination during their trips.

“Gettysburg has a lot to offer visitors and these races contribute greatly to the diversity of activities in the area,” said Flowers. “We hope to see them grow each year and continue to have success. These new and continuing events are exciting opportunities for both visitors and the destination. The races can really add depth to a visitor’s experience.”

The four major races in the Gettysburg region include:

The Sprit of Gettysburg 5K
Now entering its 23rd year, the Spirit of Gettysburg 5K is one of the oldest and most esteemed races in the region. Often attracting athletes from around the world, this race brings about 1,000 runners to Seminary Ridge for the start of Gettysburg’s only race on the battlefield. This year, the race will be held June 22. For more information, visit www.ywcagettysburg.org/site/special-events/sports-races/spirit-of-gettysburg-5k/.

The Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half-Marathon
In its inaugural year in 2011, runners found themselves following up an early snow storm that dumped five inches of snow on the Gettysburg area. This year, on Oct. 20, nearly 1,000 runners will take to the scenic Adams County countryside for a scored competition between runners from above and below the Mason-Dixon Line. This event now includes a 5K race. For more information, visit www.bluegrayhalf.com.

The Gettysburg North-South Marathon
Likewise, this full marathon brings the same competition between north and south runners for a 26.2-mile tour of the Gettysburg region. On April 28, approximately 1,000 runners and relay teams will race alongside the Gettysburg battlefield, the heart of Apple Country and the rolling hills north and south of town. For more information, visit www.gettysburgnorthsouthmarathon.com.

American Odyssey Relay Race
This 200-mile relay race brings thousands of runners to Gettysburg for the start of a two-day event that links two of America’s most historic destinations. The event returns for its fourth year on April 26-27. Teams of 12 runners begin their journey in Gettysburg and traverse the historic countryside down to Washington, D.C., touring Civil War battlefields and historic sites along the way. For more information, visit www.americanodysseyrelay.com.