Iowa > O'Round the Loch Run Half Marathon
Emmetsburg,
IA
addthis
Date
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Event
Details
Whether it's snow, rain, sleet or some other wintry mix of frozen and
wet precipitation, weather conditions are famously not an obstacle to
the annual running of Iowa's O'Round the Loch Half Marathon, which
takes runners around the shores of Five Island Lake, which lies just to
the northwest of this small town near the center of the state. The
race's organizers have even posted a photo of the 2005 start of the
race
on their website (see the link below), showing participants dressed out
in full winter gear -- with snow on the ground.
The 13.1-mile course for the race, which is largely flat but includes a
number of hilly stretches on the roads around the lake, starts and
finishes at Emmetsburg's Smith Wellness Center, at 3200 College Street
on the campus of Iowa Lakes Community College. Following an
out-and-back loop course, the half marathon winds through downtown and
toward Five Island Lake, making a full trip around the lake along roads
including County Highway N48.
Following the race starting time of 8:30 AM, runners -- and the race is
open to runners only -- will be expected to finish the race by the time
the finish line ceremony begins at 11:00 AM. The race also includes a
10K, 5K and a 1.7-mile Fun Run/Walk, as well as a half-marathon relay
for four-person teams.
Thanks to its date on the calendar, the race also takes on an "Irish"
feel as it coincides in many years with the town's St. Patrick's Day
celebrations. If you're in town for the weekend and want to take in
some of the local culture, there are talent shows as well as a St.
Patrick's Day parade, and an Irish Mass on Sunday.
Race
Weather & Climate
Nestled in the middle of the northern half of the state, about 30 miles
from the border with Minnesota, the town of Emmetsburg can get quite
cold in the late weeks of winter, though it normally sees relatively
little wet weather during this time of year. In March, average
temperatures range between 42°F and 22°F, while
precipitation amounts average around 2 inches for the month.
Fees
$25 for the individual half marathon
$100 for the 4-person relay
Registration
The 2008 running of the O'Round the Loch Run Half Marathon has already
taken place, so please check this space later in the year for updated
information on how to register for the 2009 race.
Website
www.iowalakes.edu
Starting
Location/Course Map
View
Larger Map
Share
Your Race Story
Ever run in Emmetsburg's annual O'Round the Loch Half Marathon? Share
your
impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the
event.
Discuss it in the HalfMarathons.Net
Message
Boards
|
|
|
|
