More than 270 runners representing 14 states are registered to run 13.1 miles through Polk County on Saturday morning, Nov. 16 at the Second Annual Tryon Half Marathon.

Organizers anticipate even more will sign up race morning. This charity road race — hosted by the Tryon Running Club — will benefit Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry’s Feed-a-Kid and Utility Bill Assistance programs. The club is excited to welcome so many out-of-towners and their families to the Tryon area.

According to a March 2013 report in Running USA, in the last decade, the half-marathon has become America’s most popular distance by virtually any metric.

Last year, there were more than 1,500 active U.S. half marathons. The inaugural Tryon Half Marathon was one of those races, and it is growing beyond the borders of North and South Carolina.

“We were so pleasantly surprised to see folks coming all the way from Utah and Washington State to run our half marathon,” said Tryon Running Club President Laura Phelps.

As with any charitable event, the volunteer workforce and generous sponsors — most of which are local businesses — are essential in making it an overall success.

This year, the Tryon Half Marathon relied solely on volunteers to organize and execute the event.

In addition to the volunteer organizers, more than 70 volunteers of all ages will be on hand to work registration, cook hot breakfast casseroles, set up and take down the race course, hand out water at aid stations, direct runners along the course, and perform so many other tasks needed to make this a top-notch event.

“Last year, we had so many runners tell us how much they loved the beautiful course and the enthusiastic volunteers they met along the way,” explains TRC Vice President Kathryn Gillie.

Quick info

Registration and packet pick-up will be open at the Harmon Field cabin on Friday, Nov. 15 from 4 – 7 p.m. and on Race morning from 6:30 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.

The race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Harmon Field.

Harmon Field Road and one lane of Hwy 108 (from Harmon Field to the Lynn Post Office) will be closed from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Half marathoners will run from Harmon Field to Hwy. 108 to Clarence Rhodes Rd. to Screvens Rd. and then to River Road and back along the course to finish at Harmon Field.

The community is invited to come out and cheer along the course or at Harmon Field, where the finish line will be set up on the track.

Drive with caution if you are on the race course.

The Tryon Running Club is a 501(c)(3) chapter of the Road Runners Clubs of America that welcomes walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.

Group training runs are regularly scheduled and members enjoy discounts to club events including races and clinics.

Visit tryonrunningclub.com or find the club on Facebook. Call TRC President Laura Phelps at 828-817-1833 for more information.

– article submitted by Scarlette Tapp