Run Suwanee

2008 chickEkiden Marathon Relay

The 2008 chickEkiden Marathon Relay was held on Saturday, April 26th in downtown Gainesville, GA.  Teams of 4-6 runners competed in this fun relay event where a rubber chicken is the baton.  The race was held in conjunction with the Gainesville Spring Chicken Festival and benefited the Keep Hall (County) Beautiful Tree Replacement Fund.

The winning team finished in marathon distance in a time of 2:31:07 on a very hilly 4.3 mile course.  The morning, however, was less about competition and more about fun and team camaraderie.  The chickEkiden is truly a unique event providing runners an opportunity to perform in a team setting in Northeast Georgia.  Thanks to the Lanier Running Club for putting on this well-organized and fun event.  My running group and I will definitely be back next year.

USA Fit Atlanta-Gwinnett

The simplicity of running is part of what makes it such a wonderful sport.  You don't need a team, competitor, or much equipment.  If, however, you want to accomplish a specific goal, improve your performance, or deepen your running experience, a dedicated training group may be what you're looking for.  Simply put, the company of fellow runners and the wisdom of a coach can truly enhance your running experience and take you to the next level. 

Dedicated training groups can add fun, camaraderie, accountability, and learning to any running program.  Fortunately for residents of Suwanee and the surrounding areas, an organized running program recently chose to make its home in Suwanee.  USA Fit Atlanta-Gwinnett settled in Suwanee in 2007 under the direction of organizer, coach, and Suwanee-resident Laura Koller.  Beginning last fall (2007), Laura and USA Fit-Atlanta-Gwinnett hosted a series of Saturday morning runs dedicated to helping area athletes complete the ING Georgia Marathon in March 2008.  Most of the group's runs start and end at Town Center, George Pierce Park, and the Suwanee Creek Greenway.  Some runs are also held at Little Mulberry Park, the Big Creek Greenway, and other area running hot-spots. 

Laura and three other running coaches lead pacing groups along the the greenway and other Suwanee-area routes on Saturday mornings.  A pacing group exists for runners of every ability from sub-8:00 per mile pace to run/walkers.  All coaches involved in the program are experienced runners who have completed marathons.  Commenting on her coaches, Laura said, "They all love running, and are completely dedicated to helping our members become runners, or better runners."  Post training run seminars are also a part of the program with topics ranging from hydration to injury prevention.

USA Fit-Atlanta is currently registering runners for their 10k season.  Register online at www.usafitatlanta.com.  Alternatively, you can register in person at PJ's Coffee at Suwanee's Town Center at 8:00 am on April 26th.  The parent organization, USA Fit, was founded 19 years ago in Houston, TX with the goal of helping runners achieve their goals through proper guidance and training groups.

 

Suwanee Represents at the 2008 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon

Runners from Suwanee, Georgia were well represented at the 2008 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon held on Sunday, March 30, 2008 in Atlanta.  24 residents of Suwanee completed the full marathon with the fastest resident clocking-in a fast 3:38:58.  A whopping 118 residents of Suwanee completed the half marathon.  The fastest Suwanee resident completed the half marathon in a time of 1:40:07.  These are pretty impressive numbers and times.  Full 2008 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon result can be found at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com