IDEAL RACE TEMPERATURES MAY BOOST PARTICIPATION IN METRO HEALTH GRAND RAPIDS MARATHON
October 12, 2009; Grand Rapids, MI – A record number of participants are already expected to turn out for the 2009 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, scheduled for this Sunday, October 18. The weather forecast for race day could boost that number even more.Ed Kornoelje, D.O., Metro Health Sports Medicine Physician and Medical Director of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, explains that the ideal running temperature for most runners appears to be between 45° and 60° F, which is what is expected on race day. Dr. Kornoelje says that the body “heats up while running, and operates optimally when the air temperature is rather cool, but not cold. If it feels a bit chilly at race time, this is a good sign.” He further states that depending on an individual’s own temperature comfort level, runners will wear anything from tights and a long sleeve shirt to shorts and a short sleeve shirt. “I recommend trying out a few different combos to see what works for you, keeping in mind after a mile or so your perceived air temp will probably be 15 degrees or so higher then the actual temperature,” says Kornoelje. Finally, runners should bring an old long sleeve shirt that can be discarded at the start of the race, or at an early aid station, since they will not get it back. “So make sure it is something you can part with,” explained Dr. Kornoelje.
Events start on Saturday with the Health and Fitness Expo, where runners pick up their race packets and have the opportunity to visit with various health and fitness vendors. The Expo will be held on the 3rd floor of the David D. Hunting YMCA from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You won’t want to miss the Bagel Beanery Kids Marathon at 1 p.m. on Saturday, also at the David D. Hunting YMCA, when almost 1,000 children will run 1.2 miles on the official marathon course. On Sunday, race day morning, the “velocity-challenged” participants will begin at 7 a.m. The official start time of the Marathon is at 8 a.m., when more than 3,600 athletes are expected to participate. Runners from all 50 states are registered, as well as 80 participants from Canada, and some from Mexico as well.
Officials from the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon report that current registrations are up by 500 participants over last year’s number. “Our growth continues, says Race Director Don Kern,” and with the new course changes, we'll be able to handle many more for years to come.” Kern adds: “I’ll see you at the finish line.”
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The Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon is in its 6th year and was created by “Marathon Don” Kern. Kern has run 184 marathons, including 80 consecutive months of at least one marathon per month. Kern is also part of a select few that have run on all 7 continents, and just a few years ago he narrowly missed inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Record for running official marathons on all 7 continents in the least amount of days. For interviews or additional information, please contact Don Kern at 616-293-3145 or cooladventures@aol.com. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon can be found online at www.grandrapidsmarathon.comMetro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
Christopher Nicholas
Media Coordinator
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
P. 616-570-0602 F. 616-608-0294
chris@aaaadz.com
Don Kern
Race Director
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
P. 616-293-3145
CoolAdventures@aol.com
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