Run Suwanee

Suwanee - A Winter Wonderland

The above photo was taken at the Martin Farm Trailhead of the Suwanee Creek Greenway on Saturday, January 19th.  The snow began to fall furiously around mid-day and continued through most of the afternoon.  As runners, we got a taste of what our northern bretheren have to deal with from November through March.  At the same time, running in these conditions allowed us to see the greenway in a different light.  With huge snowflakes falling, a snow-blanketed ground, and iced-over trees, it was truly a sight to behold on Saturday and much of Sunday.  Despite the cold weather, snow and ice provided a change of scenery and a certain beauty to our surroundings that we are not accustomed to.    

Experience the Spirit of the Marathon on January 24th

On January 24, 2008, thousands of runners will race to locals theatres as the marathon makes it to the big screen.  For one night only, the Spirit of the Marathon movie will appear at the Mall of Georgia Regal Cinema (IMAX), AMC Discover Mills, and hundreds of theatres across the United States.  The movie is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the essence of the marathon experience.  The film follows the triumphs and travails the both amateur and elite athletes as they train for and race the Chicago Marathon.  The Spirit of the Marathon was created and produced by Academy Award winner Mark Jonathan Harris, Telly Award winner and marathon runner Jon Dunham and producer/marathoner Gwendolen Twist.  The film stars running legends such as Bill Rodgers, Grete Waitz, and Paula Radcliffe.

The movie has received a number of accolades including the Best Picture Award at the 2007 Mammoth Film Festival.  If The Spirit of the Marathon meets expectations, don't be surprised to see runners on the Suwanee Creek Greenway training with renewed vigor for a spring marathon.  For a listing of theaters and to purchase tickets, follow the link above. 

Drought Impacts 2008 Peachtree Road Race

On Friday Atlanta city officials announced that the Peachtree Road Race will not end at Piedmont Park in 2008 due to the continuing drought.  The 38-year-old Peachtree Road Race hosts 55,000 runners and is the largest 10k road race in the world.  Piedmont Park in midtown Atlanta has served as the finish area since 1978 and logistically is one of few options large enough to handle the crowds.  According to recent new reports, the Atlanta Civic Center and Turner Field are being considered as alternate finish lines.  This, of course, may require a change in the starting line, which historically has been Lenox Mall.

So much for a grace period for new Atlanta Track Club Executive Director Tracey Russell.  With the race only five months away, this will certainly be an enormous challenge.  As the Peachtree Road Race is a signature event in Atlanta, hopefully she will receive the support and cooperation of city officials, the running community, and volunteers. 

Here is a link to the January 12, 2008 article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution discussing these changes.

      

Fort Yargo State Park (Winder, GA)

With 20 miles of runnable trails, Fort Yargo State Park is worth the drive.  The park is located just north of Highway 316 in Winder, Georgia northeast of Atlanta.  Fort Yargo is a part of Georgia's extensive state park system.  The park is a 25 minute drive from Suwanee and a one hour drive from downtown Atlanta.  Regardless, once you lace-up and start running Fort Yargo's trails, you'll feel a world away from urban or suburban Atlanta. 

The trails are shared by runners, mountain bikers, and hikers alike.  The trailheads contain guidelines for the direction (clockwise vs. counter clockwise) that users should travel the trails on specific days of the week.  This apparently helps to ensure user safety and prevent collisions.  The trails travel around scenic 260-acre Marbury Creek Reservoir, which is almost always in view.  While circling the reservoir, you'll cross a number of bridges over steams that feed into it.  Inner and out loops around the reservoir exist within the park giving runners different options.  Depending on the different options and spur trails that you run, one trip around the reservoir is anywhere from 10-14 miles.  Mileage markers are provided on the primary trail around the reservoir.  A number of switchbacks will take you away from the reservoir at times and challenge your leg strength.  Many miles of the trail, however, parallel the reservoir, are pancake-flat, and beautiful.  Different trails meet each other at junctions within the park.  These intersections can be confusing so carry a carry trail map that is provided at the park's welcome office.  Additionally, I did not find any water fountains available along the trail so bridge your own hydration pack.  A $3 park fee is required to enter park premises.   

While I would like to stake claim to the discovery of Fort Yargo's running trails, others made this discovery before me.  In March the Thrills in the Hills 1/2 Marathon is held on the trails of Fort Yargo State Park.  The 2008 race is scheduled for March 1st.  This race is run almost entirely on trails and is part of the XTERRA Trail Race Series.  More information about the Thrills in the Hills 1/2 Marathon can be found at www.dirtyspokes.com. 

Additional information about Fort Yargo State Park (including directions and trail maps) can be found on the Georgia State Parks website.  More information about the trails within the park can by found on the Yargo Area Mountain Biking Club's (YABA) website.  While this information is designed for mountain bikers, the site contained a wealth of trail and elevation profile information.