Start line of the McCarthy Half Marathon & 5-Mile Runs - Photo: Michal Tarabik
2017 McCarthy Half Marathon & 5-Mile Runs
by Nate Anderson
Runners make their way across the Kennicott River footbridge - Photo: Michal Tarabik
A cool fall afternoon greeted nearly 50 racers lined up in front of the Glacier View Campground. The McCarthy Half Marathon & 5-Mile Runs continues to be one of my favorite local events. I frequently run sections of the racecourse throughout the summer and it truly lives up to its reputation – run with a view! The first running of the McCarthy Half Marathon took place 15 years ago and it continues to be a fun, local, low-key event. The WMC took over the race only a few years ago, and it has become a staple fundraiser taking place every Labor Day Weekend.
The course started out fast as runners and walkers began with a small loop on the West Side and then crossed the Kennicott River footbridge to make their way to the Wagon Road. The 5-mile racers peeled off the Wagon Road and headed back towards McCarthy, while the half marathoners began the climb all the way up to Kennecott and to the top of the historic mill building. From the course’s peak, racers made their way back down to McCarthy. Racers crossed the finish line in front of the Old Hardware Store.
While the race was taking place, WMC staff and volunteers were hard at work in the kitchen and as tradition holds, participants and volunteers partook in the post-race spaghetti feed at the Old Hardware Store. Congratulations to half marathon winners John Wros and Hannah Rowland and 5-mile winners Matej Rybarsky and Lucy and Kristi Shea. Thank you to all participants and volunteers!
Are you interested in registering for the 2018 McCarthy Half Marathon & 5-Mile Runs? Check out the course map and register HERE!
This is an article from the 2017/18 Hardware Store Herald. Download the full Herald by clicking HERE.
Click HERE to learn how you can help support the WMC today.