Welcome to the Patrick Henry Half Marathon, a combined event of the Richmond Road Runners Club and the Sports Backers. Named for Hanover County’s famous Colonial-era patriot, Patrick Henry, who proclaimed the Revolutionary War’s rallying cry, “give me liberty or give me death,” the 13.1-mile race starts and finishes in Poor Farm Park in Hanover County, traversing both rolling countryside and Ashland’s scenic railroad district.

The race location is 20 miles north of Richmond. All half marathon finishers receive a special technical race shirt and a custom finisher’s medal at the finish line. Entries are limited to the first 1,500 so don’t miss being part of this unique race…sign up today!

SCHEDULE  
Friday, August 22  
3 - 7 p.m. Packet pick up at Patrick Henry YMCA (Ashcake Road location)
 
Saturday, August 23  
5:30 - 6:30 a.m. Packet pick-up at Poor Farm Park
7 a.m. Race Starts
10 a.m. Awards Ceremony
 
 
ENTRY FEES  
Through August 15 $40*
August 16 - 21 $45*
 
*Richmond Road Runners Club members will receive a $5 discount by registering online.

The Patrick Henry Half Marathon has an entry limit of 1,500 participants. THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!
 
 
REGISTER
Online through August 21
Richmond Road Runners Club Members click here for registration to get your $5 discount.
Print out an entry form and mail it in with a check by August 15.

ALONG WITH VIP TREATMENT, ALL RUNNERS RECEIVE . . .
All half marathon finishers receive a special technical race shirt and a custom finisher’s medal at the finish line, and are admitted to the post-race celebration with plenty of free food, drink, and lots of smiles and pats on the back.

Water stops will be positioned at the start and at miles 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Diamond Springs water and sports drinks will be available at every water stop on the race course. Energy gels will be available on the course. Port-o-johns will be stationed at the Start/Finish and adjacent to some of the water stops. Medical attention will be available along the course.

PACKET/SHIRT PICK-UP
Race numbers and timing chips will be given out on Friday from 3–7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry YMCA (217 Ashcake Road) and from 5:30–6:30 a.m. on race morning at Poor Farm Park, site of the start/finish. Race shirts will be given at the finish line. You may pick up a race packet for another pre-registered runner.

BAG CHECK
There will be a bag check on site at the Starting Line to collect your bags. Clearly mark your bag with your name and race number.

3-HOUR TIME LIMIT
All participants must be able to finish the half marathon in 3 hours. In order to do so, you will need to maintain a 13:43 per mile pace or you will be asked to move to the sidewalk to enable the reopening of the streets to vehicular traffic. At that time, there will no longer be traffic protection, medical aid, or water stops offered. There will be designated checkpoints at Miles 6 and 9 on the course. You will need to cross Mile 6 by 8:30 a.m. and Mile 9 by 9:15 a.m. or you will be asked to board the shuttle that will take you back to the finish area.

AWARDS
Trophies will be awarded to the top three overall male and females and to the top three male and female masters. Overall awards are determined by clock time; age group awards by chip time. Additional awards will be presented to the top three in all age groups. The Awards Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. You must be present to get your awards. Awards will not be mailed to you. For more information, including a breakdown of age groups, please visit our website. Age groups are: 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and 65-69 and 70 & over.

HOTELS
Hotel Rooms for the Patrick Henry Half Marathon are available through:

Holiday Inn Express Ashland
107 South Carter Road
Ashland, VA 23005
Rate of $99 for King Suite
For reservations call (804) 752-7889 and mention the Patrick Henry Half Marathon.

COMPUTER CHIP TIMING
Registered participants will be provided with a ChampionChip in their race packet. The chip must be attached to participant’s shoe to receive a time. All chips must be returned at the finish line. In case of withdrawal or cancellation, a $30 replacement fee will be assessed if the chip is not returned within 15 days after the race.

PLEASE NOTE

There will be no refunds and no transfer of entries.
You must be able to complete the half marathon course in 3 hours or less.
You must reach the 6 mile mark by 8:30 a.m. and the 9 mile mark by 9:15 a.m.
This race is conducted under the rules of USATF and the Road Runners Club of America.
In consideration of the safety of all participants, NO STROLLERS, BABY JOGGERS, IN LINE SKATES, SKATEBOARDS, BICYCLES, OR ANIMALS ON LEASHES will be allowed on the course.
No headphones or personal listening devices will be allowed. This will be strictly enforced.

MORE INFORMATION
Contact the race director at or call the race hotline at 804-360-2672.

RRRC GRAND PRIX RACE
The Patrick Henry Half Marathon is a Richmond Road Runners Club Grand Prix Race. Each year the club runs a series of races and members collect points by placing or volunteering at the events. At the end of the year the male and female winners are announced as the Grand Prix Champions at the club’s annual banquet.

ENTRY RULES & CONFIRMATION
Entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable, no exceptions. Once we receive and process your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. The entry fee for the 2008 race will not transfer to the 2009 race. On-line entrants who provide a valid email address also receive instant email confirmation. Do not mail entry forms after August 15. Instead, sign up on-line through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 21 or until the race reaches its 1,500-person capacity, whichever comes first. No Race Day registration!

HELP ASHLAND CELEBRATE ITS 150th ANNIVERSARY!
Throughout 2008, Ashland, Virginia, will be commemorating its 150th anniversary with many celebratory events and activities. This special anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate Ashland’s history and heritage and to foster a sense of pride in the community. We look forward to celebrating Ashland’s 150th birthday with you!

Courtesy of Sportsbackers.com

- Republished from Sportsbackers.com