Goings On
November 11, 2014
Bayou Beer Fest back for another round
November 11, 2014
Way back in the year 2010, Chris Johnson of the Bayou Runners Association (BRASS) and Alan Kelly of the Bayou Country Cyclists began kicking around an idea.
Through their conversing and brainstorming sessions, the two decided that Houma needed a half-marathon – an event that could rally folks in our area in the name of fitness and good, healthy living.
To make the event a reality, the duo got Terrebonne General Medical Center and Cardiovascular Institute of the South on board.
And from there, the Houma Heart and Soles Half-Marathon was born.
Now in its fifth year, the local marathon has continued to grow – now an event that people look forward to year-round throughout Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes and even beyond.
This year’s run will take place on Nov. 22 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, beginning at 7 a.m. The 2014 event will feature a 13.1-mile half-marathon, a 6.55-mile two-man relay and the always-popular 5K walk/run.
Organizers tout that the race is for both competitive and non-competitive runners, adding that all skill levels are welcome to compete.
As-always, the race’s course will end indoors inside of the civic center – a “red carpet” affair to celebrate everyone’s completion of the race.
Having that unique, indoors finish was a big goal for the original organizers who wanted to push the idea that everyone to complete the race was a true winner in the day.
“Instead of finishing outside in the elements at the Civic Center, we wanted to finish indoors,” Johnson said when detailing his plans before the inaugural race. “We want runners to be able to sit down and wait for their friends to finish and the awards and everything will be presented indoors so that everyone can be comfortable and enjoy just a relaxing and great ending to a great day.”
For CIS and TGMC, the annual run is all about helping the people of our community.
Funds for the race will benefit The Foundation for TGMC to provide free cardiac screenings and education to the local community.
A news release issued by the hospital touts that proper cardiovascular education and regular screenings can be the difference between life and death when it comes to diagnosing and preventing cardiovascular disease. That means that these funds may literally be a life saver to a person in a crisis situation.
Through lifestyle changes (like training for and competing in exercise-heavy events like a half-marathon), the release touts that a person can modify his/her risk factors to reduce the chances of getting heart disease.
There is a $65 fee attached for each person who wishes to compete in the half-marathon, which will take runners through 13.1 miles of Houma terrain. Those wishing to compete in the two-man race will be charged $85 (per two-person team). To compete in the 5K, participants must pay $30.
All participants in the race will receive a commemorative finisher medal to celebrate the honor of completing the race.
For more information, those interested may visit tgmc.com/halfmarathon.
On that site, the hospital offers registration forms, training guides and everything needed to get runners ready for the big day.
When race day finally comes and all of the runners cross the finish line successfully, participants are invited to stay at the Civic Center throughout the afternoon and enjoy delicious food and drinks and also live entertainment provided by Soul Survivors.
An awards ceremony will be held to honor the event’s top finishers, as well.
It started as an idea – nothing more than a little conversation among buddies. But it’s now one of the premier events in Houma for the month of November – five years running.
Indeed, the Houma Heart and Soles Half-Marathon has arrived.
There are no winners and losers in the Houma Heart and Soles Half-Marathon – one of the most popular events of the month in November. This year’s race will take place on Nov. 22 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.
