This is the second year SMC and Spartanburg have hosted the event. In 2005, SMC was selected as the host site for 2005, 2007 and 2009, with Wichita, Kan., hosting the alternate years. The bid was made in conjunction with Team Spartanburg and the Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The event, which will involve both men and women runners from colleges across the country, will start at the Spartanburg YMCA on Pine Street, according to Mark Perdue, athletics director for SMC. The course will follow Pine Street, the Hub City Rail Trail and around the Duncan Park area for two laps. The course is 13.1 miles.

“This is a great event for the city of Spartanburg and Spartanburg Methodist College,” Perdue says. “This is the second of five NJCAA (National Junior College Athletics Association) national championships that Spartanburg and SMC will host. The next event is the 2008 NJCAA Cross Country Championships at Milliken Research Park.”

The Half-Marathon Championships are open to any NJCAA college with a cross-country program.

Mike Shetterley (Ogletree Deakins), chairman of Team Spartanburg, says hosting the event is an honor for the community. “The Half-Marathon had a great economic impact in 2005, and we anticipate a very positive impact as area businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, see an influx of visitors – participants, coaches and spectators alike.”

Each team is made up of five athletes, plus coaches. Spectators are encouraged. “We hope that high schools will bring their athletes downtown to watch the race,” Shetterly says, “and we’d love to see all of Spartanburg come out for the event.”

For more information on the Half-Marathon, contact the SMC Athletics Office at 587-4237.