Here we are, the weather finally changing into the perfect running conditions. Things at the CRC are in full swing. We're opening a new store in Westerville. The 2008 CRC Charity Fund events have begun. In the coming few weeks we'll be hosting another Prediction Run, a women's Olympic Trials viewing party, tailgating the Jesse Owens track meet, providing high school track coverage, and more. We've added new group runs as well. 
All these events and more in the spring 2008 edition of the Columbus Running Co. newsletter...

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SUNDAY, MAY 25th, 2008 4 Mile Run/Walk & 1.5 Mile Walk - 12pm This first annual event is organized by relatives of the Schlaegel family with the help of the Columbus Running Company Charity Fund. The family event is designed to raise funds and awareness for Nationwide Children's Hospital's Muscular Dystrophy Research Institute, where Megan Schlaegel dedicated much of her time. Registration and complete details are here!

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Here’s Looking at the Details... 

The Course
  Starting from Dublin Coffman High School, runners and walkers will stream down Coffman Road to Emerald Parkway.  The next mile is a long gradual downhill before the turn at Dublin Road.  Every course has its defining feature, and the Emerald Hill makes the HLAYK5k a memorable one.  Conquer the hill, and then it’s clear sailing into Coffman Stadium for the finish on the track. 
The Entertainment
   Marching bands, rock bands, the CD101 ice cream truck, and a whole lot more make this one of the most carnivalesque road races in central Ohio.  For the kids, there are the Super Games, those inflatable games that the rest of us all wish we were young enough to still play on.  Games begin as early as 11:30am. 
The Expo
   Before and after the races, be sure to check out the community-oriented Family Expo at Coffman Stadium.  The expo will feature local organization and health-related groups.
The Kids’ Runs
   Children of all ages are invited to take part in the kids’ runs, beginning at 12:30 on the Coffman track.  Depending on age, children will run anywhere from 50 meters to 800 meters, and every participant receives a prize at the finish line.  The kids’ runs are FREE, and participants earn a free pass to use the Super Games for the day.  Those not taking part in the races are still welcome to join in on the fun of the Games, but a $2 donation is required.  So come run, walk, or skip about the track with us!
Students Making a Difference
  What sets the “Here’s Looking at You, Kid” 5k apart is a group of dedicated student-race directors who focus on the event year-round.  Each year, a select group of senior Dublin Teen Institute members are selected to serve as race directors under the supervision of Coffman’s Dr. GeorgiAnn Diniaco.  The students seek out the sponsorships that make the event possible, figure out the logistics that make the day run smoothly, and provide the youth and excitement that make the day a uniquely memorable event for everyone.  They even take their mission into the local elementary schools, coaching local students to make healthy decisions and take part in the kids’ runs.  Last year’s student-race directors saw nearly 850 people register for their race and 701 people finish.  This year’s group has set their sights high - can YOU run it and help them reach 1000?

* See you there *

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GOOD LUCK TO CRC's BECKI MICHAEL! CRC's newest employee and store team member will be competing in the Women's Olympic Trials on Sunday, April 20th. If she can finish in the top three, she'll be headed to Beijing. Join us at our Dublin store as we watch the action unfold! We'll be hosting a viewing party, just like we did with the men's trials last fall. Doors open at 7:45am. Race begins at 8am. Come watch a great race and support one of your own!

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COMPLETE DETAILS HERE

Get ready for any fall marathon or half marathon, Columbus, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and more! Kick-off events: and more!, June 3rd, 6:45pm - Westerville Wed., June 4th, 6:45pm - Dublin Thurs, June 5th,  6:45pm - Pickerington By following the Columbus Running Company's fall marathon plan, you will become one of the many to reach your personal goals this coming autumn as you finish the 26.2 or 13.1 mile distance. Though similar, everyone will follow a personal, slightly different plan. This is because there are universal concepts to training, but we all have very different aerobic backgrounds - your plan is put together to prepare you to cover 26.2 miles or 13.1.

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This popular annual event is organized by the Muirfield Village Civic Association with the help of the Columbus Running Company Charity Fund. The family event is designed to raise funds and awareness for the Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity. The 2008 event features the same flat, fast course. Entry fees have been lowered and preceding the 5k will be a 400 meter kids race, only $1 to children under eight! Registration and complete details are here!

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The Westerville Central High School National Honors Society and Comparative Government class invite you to their Footsteps for Hope event. The event is more than a 5k as it includes cornhole, volleyball, DJ, and open walk. The Columbus Running Company Charity Fund is providing help with the 5k run/walk. This annual event is organized to raise funds for Heifer International and the Stefanie Spielman Fund. Registration and complete details are here!

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July 12, 5pm.   We're turning FOUR. It's time to party, and you're invited. Party favors include: -One fast, flat, one-turn mile. -Free beer. Yes, beer. -Live band. They're good. -Post race raffle full of great prizes. -High School teams - earn your share of $1000 in the Abercrombie and Fitch Mascot Challenge! Come run THE MILE. It feels like getting your drivers license. Or your first kiss. Or letting it all ride on the 00 at the MGM Grand, and hitting. You get the picture. COMPLETE DETAILS HERE!

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We had a great time pounding in the hurt in '07. In 2008 we're doubling the pain. Two camps! July 14th-17th - Dublin July 21st-24th - Westerville Learn and train with the best, and enjoy it. COMPLETE DETAILS HERE!

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OSU Jesse Owens Tailgate!

Last but not least, join us for the action on Friday night, May 2nd down at the Jesse Owens Track Meet. Friday night under the lights will have multiple distance running events, from the 1500 to the 10k, including the Jesse Owens most popular event, the Steeplechase. Some of the best in the country will be there competing along with multiple team CRC and local collegiate athletes. Just look for Bess the truck and that sweet smell of burgers and brats. See you there!

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The Columbus Running Company, located at 6465 Perimeter Drive in Dublin, 1250 Hill Road N. in Pickerington, and 320 S. State Street in Westerville is your dedicated central Ohio running and walking shop - and more.  At the CRC, we believe in the active Columbus community - the runners and walkers and even the future participants in these, our favorite activities.  We strive to support this community in every way possible.  From training groups, individual coaching, clinics and seminars, non-profit race timing organization to weekly group runs, the CRC goes the extra mile.  We’re more than just a running shoe and apparel store.  We’re here to serve you, the members of the running and walking community.  Let us know what we can do to help make your running and walking experience a better one here in central Ohio.