Riddle time: What’s more than 26 miles long, has as many as 10,000 legs, and continues to grow every year? Hint: It’s not the world’s largest millipede, although it is something that will make you want to run. You guessed it – the Myrtle Beach Marathon.
Commemorating its 20th anniversary in 2017, the Myrtle Beach Marathon has earned a reputation as one of the most popular road races on the East Coast, with approximately 5,000 runners lacing up their sneakers each year for the main event and companion races. That’s because the fast and flat course, along with the abundance of fun things to do off it, have made the Myrtle Beach Marathon the ideal venue for posting a good time against the race clock and having a good time around town at your own leisurely pace.
For a relaxing stay and good night’s sleep before and after pounding the pavement, the Caribbean Resort & Villas provides the perfect oceanfront home for the March 2-4 race weekend. An official hotel for the Myrtle Beach Marathon, the Caribbean is located about 1.5 miles from the start/finish line at Pelicans Ballpark near Broadway at the Beach. Situated near the midpoint of the 26.2-mile course, the Caribbean gives your supporting cast of friends and family members a great spot to cheer you on from the sidewalk with signs and words of encouragement.
The Myrtle Beach Marathon features a scenic layout that sends runners through the upscale Grande Dunes section of the city for a 10-mile stretch of oceanfront running near the historic Ocean Forest and Golden Mile neighborhoods – and right past the Caribbean Resort after passing the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and the downtown district. The course leads from Ocean Boulevard to The Market Common and back to the ballpark to celebrate with friends, family members and fellow runners. Then it’s off to the House of Blues for the medal ceremony and the post-race party, featuring hot food, cold beer, live music and a little dancing, if your feet are still up for it.
The after-party concludes three days of fun and 26.2 miles of running, but you don’t have to go the full distance to take part in the Myrtle Beach Marathon. With a 13.1-mile half-marathon, a nighttime 5K and a 1-mile Family Fun Run, this racing festival offers a range of distances and has something for all ages. The Myrtle Beach Marathon Health and Wellness Expo, where participants can register, shop at various vendor booths and listen to presentations from experts in the field of running, will be open all three days at the new Myrtle Beach Sports Complex, which is just over a mile from from the Caribbean Resort.
The Grande Dunes 5K and Family Fun Run are set for Friday evening, March 3, with a walk, jog or run around the marina and waterfront community. The after-party for both races will be held at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, about 6 miles from the Caribbean Resort on the Intracoastal Waterway. There are also various functions at restaurants and bars around town, especially for running clubs and relay teams, and visitors can also take in some of the many attractions, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues the Grand Strand has to offer.
Of course, many runners prefer to relax before and after the race, and the Caribbean Resort & Villas is the place to do it. Offering clean and comfortable oceanfront accommodations with private balconies, as well as first-class amenities that include an indoor/outdoor pool deck and on-site dining, the Caribbean Resort is a nice reward for reaching the finish line. Make your reservations today, and register for the race at www.mbmarathon.com.
