Race Week: Runners in Their Own Words [Part 4 of 5]

Half Moon Bay is currently in "Race Week" with only two more days to go before the Half Moon Bay International Marathon welcomes 1,200 runners from 39 states and six countries, set to run 26.2 miles starting from Pillar Point Harbor along the Pacific coastline.

For the next few days leading up to race day on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, Half Moon Bay Patch will feature stories in the runner’s own words about why they are participating in the race. Some of their stories are quite emotional and insightful and will inspire you and maybe even bring tears to your eyes. 

Prateek Shukla

An avid runner in my high school days, I found I had lost the plot in terms of physical fitness by the time I turned 33. With the gift of free time on my hands and the company of a great running partner I decided it was time for a change. 4 months later I find myself about to embark on my first of 3 marathons in the next 7 months. I would love to say I am running this to help others, but the truth is that I am running this one for me. I need to prove to myself that running can be an integral part of my life until the will recedes. Let's hope that day never comes.

Belinda Chin

I don't have a huge impactful reason for why I wanted to run Half Moon Bay Marathon. I wanted to pick a run that would have a beautiful course in a place I had never run before in order to remind me why I like to run. I had already run big races with huge amounts of people this year and wanted to get back to something smaller and more hometown feel.

Charlotte Roberts

All 29 years of my life I have never been able to run a mile without walking several times. Finally on my birthday this year something woke up inside me and said enough is enough. I started seeing a trainer, dedicated myself to me, and began running because it was so challenging. I like to say, "There's nothing fun about running. It hurts, you can't breathe, your legs are telling you to give up. Every part of your body is saying stop. But the feeling when you finish is so incredible that every ounce of pain is worth the reward." My brother was able to turn his health and life around through running, biking, and hiking. He has been my biggest inspiration. I have dropped 40lbs, dropped over 14% body fat, and have shed 5+ minutes off my mile-time. This is my first half marathon and although I know I will not come in first, second, or 50th for that matter, it is more about the personal accomplishment and a representation of how far I have come since the beginning of the year.

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Race Weekend Events

The Half Moon Bay International Marathon will include a full 26.2 marathon event, a 13.1 mile half marathon event, and a FREE 5k Fun-Run.

Saturday, Sept. 28

·       12 p.m.-12:30 p.m. - Runner's World's Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso (and author of the famous Yasso 800s training workout) will speak about his passion of running and how to achieve your goals. 

·       12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Bart will be available for photos and book signings. 

·       1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Eric Vaughan, Executive Director of the HMBIM will discuss the course, signage, aid stations and other last minute tips. 

·       2 p.m. - 4 mile fun run (run as much as you want) on the HMBIM Course with Bart Yasso, starting from the HMBIM Start/Finish Line.

Sunday, Sept. 29

Three events are planned for race day including a full and half marathon distance and a free 5K fun run. The Full and Half distances are run on a mixture of paved coastal trails, local streets and some hard-packed dirt trails, while the 10k and 5k are entirely on paved trails. The trail portions of the course offer some of the most spectacular vistas of the entire course. The Start/Finish Line of the 2013 HMBIM is at EQ Fitness HMB (formerly known as Coastal Lifestyles), 371 Princeton Avenue, Half Moon Bay.

·       Full Marathon: 7 a.m.

·       Half Marathon first wave start: 7:30 a.m.

·       Just Run 5K: 7:45 a.m.

After Party at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

Steps away for the Start/Finish Line, the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is hosting an amazing party all day, starting with breakfast in the morning for spectators and early finishers, followed by lunch, and a special HMBIM Beer! Come grab some food and drink, and enjoy the festivities featuring live entertainment and outdoor seating near the finish line. Get tickets by clicking here. 

All of the above events are open to the public. Marathon organizers still need volunteers. Click here for more information — you'll have a chance to win one of several prizes, get a free shirt, and be a part of the amazing community event.

Read Part 1 here, Monica Boyce's story in Part 2 here, and Part 3 here.