LOUISIANA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

HALF-MARATHON

Mark your calendars for November 7, 2009 at 9:00 AM.  This years 24^th running of the Monroe Parks and Recreation Dept. Half Marathon, will also be the 2009 Louisiana State Championship Half Marathon. 

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Registration:  Online registration powered by active.com.

          Early registration through October 28 = $25.00

          Registration from October 29 – November 6 = $30.00

          Race day registration = $30.00.

          Register here…   ONLINE REGISTRATION

                                                - or -

Download, print and mail in a hard copy of the entry form found
          at the end of this page.

Early registration is encouraged to help race organizers    

procure shirts, finisher medals, and food and beverage.

The anticipated size of the race field is such that race day packet pickup is a viable and anticipated option.  Parking at Forsythe Park is also sufficient for the anticipated crowd.   

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Course Description:

The Monroe HM course is mostly flat, with only a couple of hills to ascend when crossing over levees or bridges.  The course is USATF certified (Course Certification No. LA09001JF). 

Course Map:

Map and Elevation View of Monroe Half Marathon

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Awards:

As this race is the LA State Championship, the awards are designed to reflect the culture and history of the NE Louisiana region.  In addition to Overall, Master and Age Group awards, all HM finishers will receive a finisher medal.  

Age groups are in 5 year increments from age 15 to age 69.  14 and under, as well as 70 and above are a single age group.  Age group awards will be 3 deep.  Overall and Master winners are excluded from age group awards to avoid duplication of awards.

All early registrants (registered by 10/28/09) will be guaranteed a short-sleeved, 100% polyester shirt with the LA State Championship logo. 

                                                         Finisher Medal

                                                                      
                                                                                                     

Post-Race Amenities:

Post race food and beverage will be provided to all participants.   Will also be available for purchase to spectators and other non-participants.  Red beans and rice provided by Lea's Restaurant.  'Sausage on a Stick' provided by members of Running in the Son.  Proceeds for sales of 'sausage on a stick' will go to DeSiard Street Shelter.

Delta blues style music performed by Toby Traylor Band beginning around 10:30 AM. 

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Race Results:

 2008

 2007

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Lodging: 

The Monroe HM begins and ends at Forsythe Park in Monroe, near the intersection of Riverside Dr. and Forsythe Avenue.  Several lodging, restaurant and movie theater options are available in the Constitution Drive / Thomas Road / Blanchard Street area of West Monroe.  These locations are just a few miles from the race location at Forsythe Park in Monroe.

Nearby Lodging

Nearby Restaurants

Directions from Thomas Road at I-20 to Forsythe Park (These directions need to be modified.  No left turn is allowed onto Riverside Drive.  Instead, turn left on 3^rd street to get to Forsythe Park).

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Training:

If you have not participated in a Half Marathon before, but think this may be something you want to try your hand at, the Monroe Half provides a great opportunity, given the favorable course, and usually pleasant temperatures of early November.

Hal Higdon offers a 12 week training guide for the novice Half Marathon participant.  By starting on the 2^nd week of August, one can complete the 12 week training guide in preparation for the Monroe Half Marathon.

Hal Higdon Training Guide

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For more information, please send an email to the Ouachita Valley Road Runners Club at ovrrc@yahoo.com .