A new community tradition is getting a running start in the town of Apex. Two seasoned race directors and two Apex advocates are organizing the inaugural Apex Half Marathon.
Registration opened Wednesday for the October 24 race, which will start and end at the newly opened Sweetwater Town Center with a 13.1-mile course that includes the American Tobacco Trail and the White Oak Creek Greenway.
Kevin Gibson is one of the four people behind the race. Gibson, along with Alan Maynard, is working on the logistics, pulling on 12 years of directing races from half marathons to fun runs. Two connected Apex residents, Alaina Money-Garman, whose company, Garman Homes, is the title sponsor of the race, and Lauren Updyke, a trainer and running coach, are the community builders.
While there’s no shortage of running events in the Western Wake area, such as Cary or Holly Springs, Gibson said in a recent interview with The Line, the idea was to create something for Apex, building on the town’s sense of community and pride.
Gibson described the reception from town officials as a “symbiotic relationship from the beginning,” and they suggested Sweetwater Town Center, a new mixed-use development with residential and retail.
The event lawn will host the big party after the race, which will include post-run beers poured by Southern Peak Brewery in Sweetwater for purchase and a free Chick-fil-A sandwich for runners from Chick-fil-A Apex Beaver Creek and Apex Peakway. The “Athlete Village” will also celebrate personal bests with a PR bell and give out awards after the race.
About the course: It’s 6.55 miles out, and 6.55 miles back.
“We liked the idea of people being able to see their friends and family while they’re out on the course,” Gibson said.
After the first mile through the neighborhood, the route enters the American Tobacco Trail. The packed dirt/gravel terrain is a benefit for some runners, Gibson said. The White Oak Creek Greenway portion includes paved sections and flat bridges over marshland.
There’s not much elevation, but save a little energy for the slight uphill coming back toward the finish line.
“Its a great course for runners going for a good time,” Gibson said.
Making it accessible for a variety of levels: The group shares a passion around making the race accessible to different types of runners (or walkers).
It’s a competitive race that is professionally chip timed, but they want to welcome people for whom this is their first half marathon. To that end, coach Updyke is offering a free 16-week training, or a discounted program that includes customized plans with optional in-person sessions.
“We really want those people to look at this (race) and say hey, this could be the one,” Gibson said.
Be the Rainbow Foundation will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Apex Half Marathon. The Apex-based nonprofit gives direct support to families who have a child with cancer. That might include expenses for travel, food, bills, or specialty care items. Be the Rainbow also partners with existing organizations and childhood cancer programs, and advocates for families.
Building a tradition: Gibson says he hopes “that people see this as an opportunity to be a part of the first Apex Half Marathon tradition,” and it will take a community to make it happen. Volunteers from packet pickup to the finish line will be needed.
“The spectators have a lot of power in making this event special,” Gibson said. “This is about community and coming together and celebrating every finisher.”
Register: Apex Half Marathon registration opened Wednesday and is $69 through April 30. After that, it increases as it gets closer to the race date.
