SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Photo provided by Competitive Image
Photo provided by Competitive Image
Even for veteran marathoners, 26.2 miles takes a long time to run. For those with a few less miles under their belt, it can seem like an eternity. Especially at around the 20-mile mark where they have to confront the proverbial “wall.â€
So what keeps them going? How do they find the strength and willpower to keep running when every fiber in their body is screaming stop? Many will tell you it’s the cheers of the more than 300,000 spectators, urging them on.
This year the excitement is already building along the 26.2 marathon course as spectators detail their plans for their 2007 Cheer Zone, part of the official Cheer Zone contest that takes place Sunday, October 7.
In its second year, the Cheer Zone contest is a way to recognize the neighborhoods that come out to support runners each year. “The Twin Cities has an outstanding reputation for spectator involvement,†said Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. “The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is inviting neighborhood organizations and residents along the course to pull out all the stops to cheer on the runners and take part in the 2007 Cheer Zone Contest.â€
Official Cheer Zones are judged on creativity and enthusiasm. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three winners, to be donated to a non-profit neighborhood association, recreation/community center or school of their choice. Visit mtcmarathon.org for more information.
