Half Marathons
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The half marathon is becoming the distance of choice by many runners on the state, national and world level. While the marathon still at the top of the marquee, half marathon participation is outpacing the flagship's banner.

As predicted, removing the registration cap from the Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank half marathon helped participation almost double to 4,476 in 2005.   Last week's Martian Marathon had almost four more half marathoners to each marathon runner.

Marathons across the country have been adding half marathons to their weekend of events. Since all the logistics, operations and resources are in place for the marathon it makes sense and cents to add the shorter distance. Sponsors love it because it brings exposure. It usually doesn't require additional city services but greater numbers justify Police and DPW crews needed to support the events.

Some might think that the half takes away from the headliner but most runners wouldn't agree. If anything, it adds more excitement. Marathoners still get the recognition for their considerable accomplishment, and they also enjoy the adulation of their half distance brethren.

The half marathon can be a stepping stone to the majors or a chance to still be part of the party when a nagging injury just won't let you get ready on time.

Let's face it, half marathons are fun. You don't beat yourself up. You don't need all the long training runs.   Recovery is quicker and you still get a T shirt and nice medal around your neck.

The 38,000 half marathoners at the Bupa Great North Run in Great Britain would probably agree. So would the 25,000 in Goteborg Sweden. These are the two top kahunas among half marathons according to Running USA, Road Running Information Center. Its listing of growth and trends in the sport show half marathon participation increasing at the fastest rate (7%).   All races have been experiencing growth with around 8 million people running races.

Next month the Indianapolis Mini half marathon celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. All of its past winners have been invited back and it should be quite a celebration. The event stands on its own without a marathon but it is part of a whole month of activities leading up to the Indy 500.

Indy is America's big dog. Last year over 25,000 finished the race despite hot weather. Organizers cap the field for a number of reasons and registration doors close quickly. It's really a 13.1 mile long party. Crowds, bands, cheerleaders cover much of the course sidelines except the loop on the Indy 500 track.

Two Rock 'n' Roll half marathons are next in line, both in participation and entertainment. Virginia Beach registered more than 16,000, closely followed by P.F Chang's 15,000 who race from Phoenix to Tempe.

The Free Press half became Michigan's top gun in just its second year. June's Dexter to Ann Arbor half is holding steady at number two with 2,000 plus finishers in 2005 plus it has an additional 1300 runners in each of the 5 and 10km races.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226