SAGUARO has a long tradition of kicking off the Tucson running season, and we’re excited about the 2008 edition. Indeed, it looks like it will be cooler than normal, so that’s good.
But it also looks like it might be wetter than normal, which may be good too, depending on your mood . . . if you want a video preview of the course, check out the Arizona Daily Star’s Caliente section website at www.aznightbuzz.com, and follow the links to the running page.
10 Big Things to Remember:
- Packet pick-up and late registration are at The Running Shop (3055 North Campbell) on Saturday from 10-3, and on race morning from 5-6am.
- At packet pick-up, you will get the 2008 shirt, your number, and a sample pack of a new sports recovery drink, XOOD. XOOD will be out on the course at miles 2, 4, 6, and 7, as well as at the finish line.
- Also at the finish line will be a host of Safeway food products and 1,000 bottles of Snapple Antioxident Water – don’t fret about the coldness, we have 500 pounds of ice being delivered at 4:40 Monday morning!
- The YMCA climbing wall will be set up, so bring your climbing shoes! (well, you don’t need the shoes…)
- In addition to the low-key 2-mile walk and fun run, we’ll have a low-key kids race while we wait for the results. For kids, we’ll have a bunch of free “SAR Children’s Running Brigade” t-shirts, first come-first served . . .
- We’ll announce the winners of the 2008 Rob Bell Memorial Award.
- The Cortiva Institute (formerly Desert Institute for the Healing Arts) will be providing free massages and Ben’s Bells will be out so you can make some cool bells.
- We’ll have a big ol’ tent set up, in case the sun is too hot or in case the rain is too wet.
- The SAR web at www.azroadrunners.org lists the interesting prizes for this race, including a custom made watch courtesy of local jeweler Craig Dabler to the 200th place woman at the top of the hill near the 5-mile mark (good luck keeping count, ladies!).
- Speaking of the hill, when you’re out there, thank the Santa Rita HS and Sahuaro HS students who are volunteering at the water stations – and say hi to the Tri-Girls who are coordinating the 7 mile mark water station.
What else? Oh, parking: as you may know, Old Spanish Trail gets a bit crowded, so try to car pool if you can and please do be careful as you get to and from the park.
OK – See you Monday!
