Michael Nash, the primary coordinator for the 2008 Grand Canyon Marathon, came up with the race idea as a project to support a leadership program he was involved in. His assignment was to come up with an event that could benefit the Grand Canyon/Tusayan Community. An experienced Marathon runner himself, Michael naturally started developing the idea of a race staffed and coordinated by the local residents that brought runners from all over the world to Grand Canyon. He formed an impressive plan that he brought in front of the non profit Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center Board. Michael received approval in August to work with the Rec Center and bring a marathon to Grand Canyon. Working primarily with Jeanie Sharp, a board member for the Rec Center; together they brought together a team to begin the preliminary work of putting on a marathon.
An ambitious date of November 15 was chosen for the race, just 3 months from the first official meeting of the marathon team, and there was plenty of work that needed to be done. Sponsors had to be brought onboard, permits had to be acquired, a website had to be built, and advertising was urgently needed. The National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan became involved very early in the planning, offering their facilities, services, and land for marathon use. Many local businesses, organizations, and individuals also proved essential in getting the Grand Canyon Marathon ready for its 2008 debut.
On September 15, the marathon's registration opened and sign-ups were taken immediately through Active.com. Permits were finalized and sponsors began aligning with the event. Volunteers from all over the Grand Canyon/Tusayan community were offering their help. Excitement was being felt by everyone involved as work to bring the race together continued at a feverish pace.
By October 15, a healthy pool of runners made their plans to come to the Grand Canyon and run its first official Marathon. The roster for race day included some local residents, many runners from the Southwest, one from Washington State, another from DC, one from Canada, one from Alaska, and two runners from overseas representing Japan and Belgium. By this time, the marathon plans were being finalized, assignments to the volunteers were being given out, and key personnel were given their briefings.
Runners started coming in large number for the Grand Canyon Marathon on November 14, the day before the race, to pick-up their race packets, attend a runner's orientation setup by the Marathon team, and a dinner organized by the National Geographic Visitor Center. The orientation, shown at the National Geographic Visitor Center, familiarized the runners with important information and allowed them to ask questions before the race. With just 12 hours to go, event coordinators and volunteers were busy setting up the course and preparing for Race Day.
|
|
|
|