"Ruben Studdard Half Marathon" and Bimingham Triple Crown Challenge

 Feeling like a shrimp next to my pal, American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard...He's a BIG dude!

The Magic City Half (Formerly known as Ruben Studdard Half Marathon...and that is what it will always be to me) was the third and final leg of the Birmingham Triple Crown Challenge sponsored by the The Birmingham Track Club! We had a great turnout for the Weekend Events and the race will be returning in 2013! I have been on the planning committee for this race for the past two years and am hoping to be able to continue helping out in the future.

A few details about the events of the race via the website:
The 2nd annual Magic City Half Marathon Weekend, part of the Ruben Studdard Celebration Weekend is in the books! Thanks to everyone who made this growing event a great success. We are dedicated to bringing health, wellness fitness and fun to Birmingham, AL. We are planning on returning in November 2013 and look forward to seeing you again! The events benefit the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts.

The Celebration Weekend will feature great music, entertainment, and the family friendly Iron Tribe Fitness Festival. The marquee running events include The Magic City Half Marathon and 5K as well as the “Linn Park Lap” a short fun run / walk for all ages!

All running and fitness events will take place in Downtown Birmingham around the historic Linn Park City Center.

**I will definitely be adding this race to my 2013 Running Calendar!

 Ready to start the race with Holly and Bomb Diggity. Not really sure what the dude behind us is doing!  I love background people. 

 The Magic City Half Bling!

13.1 Miles around Downtown Birmingham is always one of my favorite distances and places to run! It's like a big family reunion for me and my running peeps! Being the final leg of the Triple Crown Series, we finished the race, received our cool medal and then got another for doing the Talladega Half Marathon in September and the UCP Race Without Limits Half Marathon in October! 

More info on the Triple Crown Challenge:

The Birmingham Track Club is proud to present the Triple Crown Half Marathon Challenge! All you have to do to qualify for the custom BTC Triple Crown medal and shirt is run the following 3 half marathons:  

1. Talladega Half Marathon www.talladegahalfmarathon.com on September 16th at the Talladega Motor Speedway.
2. The UCP Life Without Limits Half Marathon www.ucprun.com in Florence, AL on October 27th. If there is enough interest we will charter a bus for a small additional fee. 
3. The Magic City Half Marathon www.magiccityhalf.com  in Birmingham, AL on November 18th. The Triple Crown Awards Ceremony will take place following this race.

After running the first two races, participants will be required to email proof of completion of those races to the event director before the start of the third race. Please send results to vp@birminghamtrackclub.com. Upon completing the third race, finishers will be able to pick up their special BTC Triple Crown Challenge medals on the award stage at the Magic City Half Marathon. 

Registration is $20.00 for the Triple Crown Half Marathon Challenge. Participants must still register for each individual race. Participation in the Triple Crown Challenge does not guarantee entry into the three races, so please register early.

This event is the first of its kind in Alabama. We hope you'll join us for a great time, three fantastic half marathons and an awesome medal and shirt!

 Me and Donnette...The famous leader of the HERGS!

Photobombed by Ruben! LOL!

 Outrunning the fellas behind me...Love it!

 Finished Magic City Half  with my peeps!

 Check out all of my cool bling from The Triple Crown Challenge!

Whew! LOTS of running but LOTS of good training miles for the Goofy's Race and Half Challenge at Walt Disney World in January 2013!!! It was a win/win for me. Long training runs with 4 very cool medals from my Sweet Home Alabama...how could I resist?!?!

**Make sure to check out all of the details of the Goofy Challenge that I will be running at Walt Disney World on RunDisney.com!