Withers Preserve sponsors marathon training program
for second year
Individuals who want to run or walk in the popular Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon or Dasani Half Marathon can do so with a purpose thanks to a training program established through the local American Red Cross and sponsored by Withers
 Preserve.
Called the Red Cross Rescue Racers program, participants with varying levels of fitness, can train successfully to run or walk the half or whole marathon. Now in its 12th year, the marathon attracts attendees from across the nation.
The local Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross has partnered to create the program to promote good health while encouraging safety in training for locals who wish to run or walk the half or whole marathon on Feb. 14, 2009. In 2007, more than 10,000 people came to Myrtle Beach to attend the marathon, which has grown rapidly over the last 10 years, according to co-founder Shaun Walsh. Team members have the benefit of structured coaching and training as well as educational sessions in the areas of nutrition, proper footwear, body mechanics, relaxation and other helpful topics. Participants also benefit from the experience and guidance of seasoned local marathoners who can share how they achieved success.
Flexible training plans are established for novice, average or experienced runners/walkers, with Coach Jackie Sgambati on hand for all meetings to offer support and advice to participants.
Now in its second year, the team has already grown from 16 to more than 30 people with hopes of reaching a 50 member goal by the time the team starts training in October.
For participants who sign up for the training program, there is a $25 registration fee, and each participant commits to raising a minimum of $500 for the local Red Cross to use to provide services to the community, which include disaster response and emergency military communications.
Joining the team guarantees your slot in the race, which fills up quickly; race attire bearing the Red Cross Rescue Racer and Withers Preserve logos; team meetings and a pre-race pasta party.
The team will also host an informational booth at the Race Expo at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Withers Preserve is sponsoring Red Cross mini-first aid packets to be handed out at the booth.
For information call Angela Nicholas, Coastal South Carolina Chapter Chief Executive Officer, at (843) 477-0020. Or, you can email
Redcross@coastalscarc.org for more details.
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This year’s 16 members of the Red Cross Rescue Race team includes, from left (front) Rein Mungo, Kerri Seramur, Cathy Stevens, Michelle Winstead and Rebecca Causey; (back) Grand Strand Running Club Coach Terry Layton, Lori Church, Penny Seramur, Ellen Brady, Program Chair Susan Mungo, Red Cross CEO Angela Nicholas, Ginger Leggett, Barbara Allen, Coleen Parr, Tom Russo and GSRC Coach Randy Melko. Team member Barbara Vahey is not pictured.
