Of course it’s hot out there, it’s August! But it won’t be August much longer.
Pretty soon the cool dry air of fall will bring on the Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon on October 8th!!! Woo hoo!!!
And this is the most important part of why I write: At this moment, the price for this race is just $55! (Woo hoo again!) Ridiculously cheap, I know. But it goes up to $65 when the clock strikes 12:01 am Friday, August 18th. (Register here)
Don’t screw this up and pay more! And don’t let your friends screw this up. Pass them this post! Or print and send by carrier pigeon. A very fast carrier pigeon.
And off we go with a few quick updates…there will be a test at the end…
1. Price Increase:
You opened this email after the 17th? Tough noogies — serves you right for ignoring my missives. (Registration link) Sign up now to avoid the pain. Get it? I know, I’m good.
How does NewRo Runners put on a race this awesome at such a stupid price? First off, we don’t get paid. Not even me. Call it a labor of love, or a third child. Whatever you call it, this baby is non-profit. Net proceeds go into the trails or local charities.
2. It Doesn’t Happen Without Sponsors:
The second reason P2P is financially accessible to the whole community? We have great sponsors that help defray the costs with money, services, safety and logistics.
And joining the P2P family this year as a top end sponsor: The North Face! And we again have the generous personnel support of Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital at the finish line and Empress EMS at our aid stations. Orange Theory of Mamaroneck will return this year to commandeer the first water stop to make sure you’re hydrated and Finish Line PT will be there to help your sore body at the finish. And, for the 15th race in a row, Westchester Road Runner will help with the logistics of pre-race bib distribution. And those are just a few that help make this race, at this ridiculous price, a reality.
And for those feeling guilty leaving the kiddos at home while you run…bring them! At the Finish Line Festival, they can enjoy fit-tastic activities with another new sponsor, NeverStopMoving365, a team of youth movement specialists. They will have equipment set up for ages 3 – 13 to explore, play and practice while they wait for their family to finish.
Looking for a home near the trail? Century 21 Marciano will once again be there to point out how you can roll out of your bed and onto these trails!
3. Registration:
I never know from year to year exactly how many runners will show up, but we usually get 700+. This year we already have over 600 registered. Want to know why this info is so important? We need to know within the next week how many shirts and medals to order! We don’t want to come up short and the Grand Poobah certainly doesn’t want a bunch of excess at P2P Global HQ. Mrs. Poobah would not be happy. Trust me.
And then there’s the food that we must order. Oh yeah. We aim to provide the best post-race food for any race in the country. (I have modest ambitions.)
So the earlier we know, the better for all. And the cheaper for you. Win-win. Don’t delay registering. Don’t delay telling your friends. And don’t get stuck paying a premium for registering late.
Lastly, there will be no in-person registrations! That’s gone the way of the floppy disk.
4. Volunteers:
The shirts, medals, live music, free photos, exceptional food, and great trail are all great. But not only are sponsors critical, races don’t happen without volunteers. And our first-in-class volunteers – we get about 200 each year – can now start signing up! See that link? Yeah, that’s the place to go. Pick the spot you want while it’s early!
We need you!
5. P2P Preview
Every year we do a preview of the race, where you can come and run with our guides. Not a race! This year it is Sunday, September 24th. Details here.
6. Chicago
It has come to my attention that the Chicago Marathon is the same day as P2P. And they refuse to move it for me. So, if you were trying to decide if you wanted to run there to be a small fish in a big pond, or stay here to be a big fish in a small pond, remember this: October 8th is also the date the Great Chicago Fire started in 1871. Do you really want to be there for that anniversary?
Final notes for those who’ve never run Paine to Pain and are toying with the idea: This is the most fun, best organized, and dollar-for-dollar finest foot race in the New York metro area. Ask any friend or frenemy who has run it! Feel free to read the comments of others if you think I might be a tad biased as I sit here typing in my Race Director’s colonial tricorn hat.
