For some, running a half marathon seems nothing short of impossible.
The Tom Walker Memorial Half Marathon, geared to help all types of runners develop healthy lifestyles, attempts to change that perception. The half marathon, hosted by the Florida Track Club, is scheduled for Saturday at 8 a.m. at Boulware Springs Park in Gainesville.
“The most important part is to have a race where participants can feel like they have accomplished something,” said Mark Ou, the race coordinator for the Florida Track Club. “If you work hard at something like running, you never know what else you can accomplish.”
The Florida Track Club’s goal is to give runners, experienced and otherwise, the opportunity to cultivate healthy habits that will be seen in both running and the rest of their lives, Ou said.
“Running is the cheapest, easiest thing you can do to stay in shape and to stay busy,” he said.
John Culver, a 21-year-old environmental science senior, ran the half marathon in 2009 and placed among the top runners.
“It’s not so much about running a whole bunch of miles on your own that is exhilarating, but it’s hanging out with your friends for an hour and a half in the morning and challenging yourself,” he said.
He said that as a college student, running is important as both a stress reliever and a way to stay focused.
“I’ve memorized more organic chemistry structures in my head while running than I have any other time,” Culver said. “They may not be right, but I memorized them.”
This race is a great first half-marathon because it gives runners an opportunity to focus on the racing experience, not the course’s technical aspects, Culver said.
Early registration for the half marathon is $25 for track club members and $30 for non-members until Nov. 8.
