The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce is promoting healthy activity this fall with two consecutive half marathons. “We want to encourage people in the area to exercise,” said Karen Hubbs, JCCC sports development director. “We partnered with Earth Fare because they were searching for ways to help eliminate childhood obesity.”

They came up with the Itty Bitty Bites Half Marathon, which has been underway for seven weeks.

The program began Aug. 9, and was divided up for children so they could run one or two miles every Monday in Parking Lot 22A at ETSU. They completed Mile 12 Sept. 20 and Mile 13.1 will be completed Saturday, Sept. 25. The finish line celebration is set for noon, but fees and registration forms were due Sept. 17.

Yet, there is still a way to participate in or attend the main event. The Bluegrass Half Marathon will begin the following day at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Participants will run the full 13.1 miles in one day. Hubbs said that the focus is not only on kids and that the main race welcomes all age groups. “We have a 68-year-old running,” she said. “The youngest participant, so far, is 15 years old.”

The marathon’s theme was chosen to appeal to the entire community.

With other marathons in the region using country and rock ‘n’ roll music as a theme, the JCCC decided on bluegrass because it is unique and incorporates the region’s heritage. “This theme represents our culture,” said Hubbs. “We wanted a theme that will create memories for everyone.” Dan Boner, director of the ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Program said, “I am not aware of any other bluegrass marathons anywhere.”

Boner hopes that the marathon will raise awareness of the program. “We will have five bands performing,” he said. “In addition, we will have approximately 25 students performing at various intervals … ”

Boner said, this event will help students in the program understand how community involvement is important.

Colby Laney, senior at ETSU and guitar player in the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band said, “It’s a different environment than I’ve ever played before.”

His band will be playing at the finish line.

Laney said, they have arranged a list of songs that will be played starting when the first runner crosses the finish line and ending when the last person completes the course.

Hubbs said the course is designed to take runners through some of Johnson City’s scenic and historical areas.

The race begins in front of the Bank of Tennessee on West State of Franklin Road. Participants will run through the VA Park and make a right toward the Johnson City Medical Center.

The next mile will send them down the east side of West State of Franklin and they will merge onto Jack Vest Drive.

There will be a band marking the third mile as runners enter ETSU’s campus. After running the length of the campus they will weave through the ‘tree streets’ and begin running on the west side of West State of Franklin Road. They will circle around Legion Street and Highland Street and then onto University Parkway.

From there, they run the first half of the course in the opposite direction. The finish line will be located between the Carnegie Hotel and their parking garage on Security Lane.

People can participate in the marathon as individuals or as part of a relay team. “We want relay teams to dress up and have fun with the race,” said Hubbs. “We’d like to see matching attire and creative team names.”

Businesses and organizations are invited as well. They can compete as a part of the marathon’s Corporate Challenge. “So far, we have 16 organizations signed up,” said Hubbs.

All relay teams must have four runners and at least one member has to be female. Batons will need to be some kind of musical icon. “Guitar straps!” said Hubbs. “It would be great to see them decorated as well. We want participants to have fun with it.”

Hubbs wants the community to know that they can still get involved even if they are not running. “We want to see people along the sidelines cheering for the participants,” said Hubbs. “Bring pom-poms and support the runners.”

To sign up, visit www.blugrasshalfmarathon.com for applications and online registration. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 24 and can be sent or delivered to 603 East Market St., Johnson City, TN 37601.

All relay participants are urged to note their team name or organization on the application. Call 423-461-8012 for more details.

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