Ladies, start your engines! The Divas® Half Marathon returns to North Myrtle Beach for the third time on April 27th, 2014. Last year’s races had over 5,500 participants between the half marathon and the Girl’s 5k, which takes place the same morning. The popular half marathon series also hosts the flashy races in other amazing cities like Honolulu, Long Island, San Juan and San Francisco. These races are all about encouraging women to celebrate fitness and athleticism (and to look cool while doing it!). Spectators can watch the ladies run while decked out in feather boas and all sorts of pink clothing.
The North Myrtle Beach Divas® Half Marathon starts near Main Street, where runners will race alongside the Atlantic, following Ocean Boulevard to Bay Watch Resort. From there, it’s back up to Main Street, this time through scenic neighborhoods full of beachy homes. The second half of the race will go north of Main Street around Robber’s Roost golf course, then back to Ocean Boulevard for some more oceanfront running.
One of the most unique parts of the Divas® series is that all finishers not only get a medal, but are rewarded with a red rose and a glass of champagne! Now that’s what we call a reward for a job well done! Runners registered a month or more in advance will receive a personalized bib, not to mention plenty of time to pick out the perfect race-day attire. For those who don’t come decked out but have a change of heart, there will be booths offering tiaras and boas along the route.
The Divas® Marathon series contributes to the Forever Young Foundation of Florida, a group that helps support less fortunate people with a strong work ethic but lack the financial support to further their education. The races also support local and national charities that help make a difference in women’s lives, like the Hewlett House in New York City – a place where people with cancer and their families can find out ways of receiving support from others with similar experiences.
The races both take place Sunday morning, around 7:00 a.m. On the preceding Friday and Saturday, runners can pick up their t-shirts, diva backpacks, and information packets at the Health and Fitness boutique. The boutique will also have vendors offering samples and showcasing racing and fitness apparel and accessories, and will be open to the public as well. Like last year, there will be an after party at Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center at 2701 S. Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, and begins at 2:00 p.m. Last year’s party was a blast for many of the 3,600 half marathon and 1,100 5k finishers who saved enough energy to enjoy the great food and drink specials (that will be abundant once again!) and the fun party atmosphere provided by DJ Honey Loquacious.
If you plan to participate in all of the Divas® festivities, be sure check out Oceana Resorts selection of oceanfront North Myrtle Beach hotels and vacation rentals located right near all of the action!