Runners to Hit the Pavement at Charlotte Motor Speedway for Inaugural N.C. Half Marathon

(August 7, 2011) Cabarrus, NC – On March 25, 2012, thousands of runners will descend on the 1.5-mile quad-oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the racing-themed N.C. Half Marathon and 5K. Race directors expect 3,000-5,000 participants in the first year.

“This high energy race offers something for everyone. Whether you are veteran runner or training for your first 5K, the N.C. Half Marathon will be one race you won’t forget,” said Lauren Carpenter, sports and recreation sales manager of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We want folks to experience the thrill of running around the legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway and come back to watch the professionals drive the same course at more than 190 mph in the fall!”

The N.C. Half Marathon and 5K is a collaboration between the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Richard Petty Driving Experience and Continental Event and Sports Management Group LLC. Continental has produced exceptional running events including the Divas Half-Marathon Series held in various cities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

“From day one, we knew that Cabarrus County would make a great place for the N.C. Half Marathon at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Robert Pozo, president and chief executive officer of Continental Event and Sport Management Group. “We know that this will make a winning combination for runners, stock car racing enthusiasts and even the regular ‘Joe’ who wants a themed race which is not like the many others.”

The unique race course encompasses the three major tracks at the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex. Participants will begin at the 1.5-mile speedway’s Start/Finish Line, run up and down zMAX Dragway and pass the Dirt Track as they return to the speedway. Pit Road will serve as the race’s final stretch and the awards ceremony will be held in Victory Lane.

Each mile will be marked by racecars provided by Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bands, DJs and cheerleaders flanking course will add an extra dimension of excitement to the race. Participants can take advantage of stock car ride-alongs provided by Richard Petty Driving Experience, live music, food and drinks during the post-race celebration.
“Cabarrus County is ‘Where Racing Lives,’ and the perfect place to host a race-themed half-marathon organized by such an outstanding race production company,” said Donna Carpenter, president and chief executive officer of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We expect the inaugural N.C. Half Marathon and the Bureau’s partnership with Continental to yield excellent results for the county, making this a signature event for many years to come.”

Registration Details:
Half-Marathon
$65 – until November 15
$75 – November 16 to January 15
$80 – January 16 to March 21
$100 –Expo at Charlotte Motor Speedway on March 24

5K:
$25 – until January 15
$30 – January 16 to March 21
$35 – Expo at Charlotte Motor Speedway on March 24

Hotels:
Hilton Garden Inn
Wingate by Wyndham
Hampton Inn and Suites Charlotte/Concord Mills

For more information and to register for the N.C. Half Marathon and 5K, please visit www.nchalfmarathon.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nchalfmarathon.

About Continental Event and Sports Management Group LLC.
Continental Event and Sports Management Group LLC is a company formed to produce world-class running events. Robert & Gaby Pozo, the management team of Continental have over 14 years of experience in the race production industry providing unparalleled events to participants and their host communities. Prior to forming Continental, Robert & Gaby were the founders and held the position of Race Directors of the ING Miami Marathon since its inception in 2003 through 2010. Robert has also served as Executive Race Director of the ING Georgia Marathon, the Chicago Half Marathon and the 13.1 Marathon Series while Gaby Pozo served as Director of Operations for US Road Sports overseeing all of its running and triathlon events nationwide.