Submitted by the Capital City Marathon
Former Olympian Jeff Galloway will add the Capital City Marathon (CCM) to the list of more than 200 marathons he has finished when he comes to Olympia for CCM Race Weekend, May 14-15. It will be his first Washington marathon.
“I look forward to meeting the people in this community which is so enthusiastic about fitness and running. History was made in 1984 when Olympia hosted the first women’s Olympic Marathon Trials,” said Galloway, who competed in the 10,000 meters and was an alternate for the marathon team in the 1972 Olympics.
He is excited to be part of this year’s milestone 35th running.
“There aren’t many races in the U.S. that have been running for 35 years. This all-volunteer race engages the community and has inspired thousands to become regular exercisers. I’m looking forward to running this beautiful course with my wife Barbara – our first marathon in Washington state.”
Known as “America’s coach,” Galloway has trained more than 1 million runners and made distance running accessible to virtually anyone through his run/walk Galloway Method. He ran with Steve Prefontaine, Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter and Amby Burfoot when the United States was a leading power in distance running. At the age of 70, Galloway continues to run six days per week and 12 marathons a year.
“Bringing Mr. Galloway to Olympia is the Capital City Marathon Association’s gift to the community for supporting this event for more than three decades,” said Race Director Nona Snell. “There wouldn’t be a 35th running if it weren’t for the generosity of so many local businesses and the more than 500 people who assist us every year. This is our way of saying ‘thank you.’ ”
The following events with Galloway are open to the public:
Saturday, May 14
- Noon to 4:00 p.m. – Book signing and sales at CCM Run Fair, Sylvester Park (on
May 15, 2016 marks the 35th running of the Capital City Marathon Washington Street between Legion and 7th Avenue in downtown Olympia).
- 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – FREE Running Clinic, Sylvester Park. (If weather is an issue, backup location is across the street at the Governor Hotel Ballroom.)
- 4:00 p.m. – Announce, start and distribute finisher’s ribbons at FREE Kids Run at Heritage Park (near Water Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Olympia).
Sunday, May 15
- 7:00 a.m. – Run Capital City Marathon (Start: Washington Street between Legion Way and 7th Avenue in downtown Olympia).
- Afternoon – Meet runners and distribute awards, Sylvester Park.
There’s still time to register to run the May 15 marathon, half marathon, 5-mile, and the FREE May 14 Kids Run, as well as volunteer. Click here for more information.
Online race registration closes at noon May 13, but registration is available from noon to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Run Fair in Sylvester Park. There is no day-of-race registration for the marathon, half marathon and 5-mile. Day-of-race registration is OK for the Kids Run (registration is May 14 from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. in Heritage Park).
