Pat Yevics-Eisenberg took her first marathon seriously. For months before the inaugural Baltimore Comcast Marathon last year, she built up her stamina with a group of fellow runners, slogging through long runs on the weekends and improving her speed with fast runs during the week. She also learned the course, planned her water stops, and even gave up drinking wine with dinner a week before the race to guard against dehydration.
Her hard work paid off with a respectable time of four hours and 24 minutes. For this year's marathon, though, she's training even harder, with the goal of finishing the 26.2-mile course in four hours, so she can qualify for the Boston Marathon.
"It's not going to be easy for me, but it's not impossible," says the 52-year-old.
The organizers of the Baltimore Marathon are hoping to improve their performance, too.
Although the city's maiden marathon went well last year, there was plenty of room for improvement, says Lee Corrigan, the event organizer. This year's marathon, which starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, differs from last year's in several important ways.
A flatter course
Probably the biggest change is that this year's course is considerably flatter. The 2001 route, which took runners through some of Baltimore's most attractive neighborhoods, also included some major hills, especially on Walther Avenue and Northern Parkway.
The highest elevation on that course was about 410 feet, at Lake and Roland avenues. This year, the highest point is 210 feet, at Guilford Avenue and 33rd Street, Corrigan says.
He says he knew the course had to be changed when he met a man who had run 100 marathons and thought Baltimore's was the most difficult. "We got a lot of feedback that it was difficult," he says.
"We were trying to show off the city of Baltimore and all its neighborhoods," Corrigan says. "And we did a great job of that last year. However, we found that if we continued to keep our route the same, we would, of course, be losing many runners year after year. We had to make an adjustment."
Yevics-Eisenberg and other marathoners who have run all sections of this year's course as part of their training note that the new course is easier, but not nearly as scenic. "There are some really ugly neighborhoods," Yevics-Eisenberg says.
There are attractive areas, too, with the course passing through Fells Point, Federal Hill, the waterfront area and Patterson Park.
This year's run will be less crowded than last year's. About 3,000 marathoners and 500 four-person relay teams have signed up, compared with about 6,500 marathon runners and 350 relay teams last year. That's about 5,000 runners this year, down from about 7,900 last year.
Of the signficantly reduced number of runners doing the full marathon, Corrigan says, "The inaugural Baltimore Marathon created tremendous excitement and we are not surprised to see a drop in registration this year. The groundswell of support for the relay along with the addition of the kids' fun run have added to the opportunity for fun and community involvement this year."
Last year's marathon winner, Luka Cherono of Kenya, will not be running this year, but another elite runner from that country, Erick Kimayo, will be. Kimayo, a two-time winner of the Honolulu Marathon, has a personal-best marathon time of 2 hours, 7 minutes and 43 seconds.
A run for everyone
Although the Baltimore Marathon does attract elite runners, organizers made extra efforts this year to involve as many runners of all abilities as possible. They heavily promoted the GEICO Direct Team Relay and the FILA 5K, and added a new race, the CitiFinancial Kids' Fun Run for children 12 and under. The latter will be 100 yards long for children 6 and under, one-third of a mile for kids 7 to 9, and a half-mile for kids 10 to 12.
Another change this year is the food on the course. In response to research showing the value of salty foods to runners, there will now be Utz pretzels and potato chips at the various refueling stations, as well as bananas, bagels, water, Gatorade and GU, an energy gel.
Community cooperation
Corrigan wants Baltimore residents to see the race as a boon to the city, not an inconvenience. To that end, organizers have sent letters to the affected communities, urging them to celebrate and cheer on the runners.
One new sign of community involvement will be the "hallelujah hill," at about mile 21, around the Alameda and 33rd Street. "We're going to have some church choirs out there, singing," Corrigan says.
The changes will continue through the marathon's home stretch. In 2001, the final yards of the course looped around Ravens Stadium. This year, runners will pass through the Ravens Walk, sometimes referred to as the "spine" between the football stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards, where bystanders will have plenty of room to watch. "It's better for the runners, better for the viewers," Corrigan says.
Phone home
More changes await runners on the other side of the finish line. For one, in the Nextel Direct Connect Zone, phones will be available so proud marathoners can make a free call to their friends and relatives and tell them how they did.
Last year, there was a significant logjam after the race, as runners queued up for the free beer and munchies that were in the same area as the water and the medical tent. This year, runners will get two tickets for Budweiser or Pilsner Urquell beer, but they'll have to leave the finishers' area and head to the nearby SunTrust Bank Celebration Village to redeem them.
"We are encouraging people to leave the area once they are done -- through the magic and mystery of free beer," Corrigan says.
Throughout the day, the Celebration Village will feature food and drink, interactive games for kids, live music and other attractions.The idea is to create a fun day for the whole family, Corrigan says.
However, a Ravens game will take place the next day, so the festivities must end at the rather early hour of 3 p.m. Last year, when the Ravens were out of town, the celebration lasted another two hours.
At least one group of celebrants probably won't mind the early ending: the marathoners themselves. After running 26.2 miles, they'll be more than ready to head for home and a hot bath.
Just the Facts
What: The 2nd annual Baltimore Marathon
When: 8 a.m. Saturday (related festivities today through Saturday; see details elsewhere in this pullout section)
Where: Starting line is at Pratt and Paca streets. Finish line is at Ravens Stadium (Russell and Hamburg streets)
Parking: Available on a number of stadium lots, as well as at garages throughout the area
Public transportation: The closest light rail stop is Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The closest subway stop is Charles Center. A number of buses have stops close to the start / finish line.
Leave 'em home: No strollers, skates, bicycles, headphones, pets or wheeled vehicles (except registered wheelchairs) allowed on course
More details : 410-605-9381, 800-487-0670 or
www.thebaltimore marathon.com
Look Who's Running 26.2 Miles
Charlie Thorne, 35, of Towson, who is running in his first marathon. He wanted the challenge of training, he says. Plus, a marathon was on his "Things I Want To Try" list.
Mike Rose, 42, of Federal Hill, who's running his second Baltimore Marathon after having had so much fun last year. This year, he trained with a group, Team in Training, which is raising money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Emily Ohland, 28, of Butcher's Hill, and her boyfriend, Matt Wolf, 26, of Canton, who are running their first, "and possibly last," marathon. Their goal is simply to finish.
Maria Fava, 31, of Lutherville, who ran last year's marathon when her daughter was only 5 months old. Her training time was limited then, but this year she got in more miles and is hoping to do better.
Edie Sneeringer, 21, of Timonium, who's a full-time student and lacrosse player at the Catholic University of America. She is excited to be running in her first marathon because before beginning training, she hadn't run five miles.
Matt Buck, 28, of Remington, who is running in his fourth marathon and hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. He is running with his wife, Amy, 26, whom he met at Williams College, where they were captains of their cross country teams.
Meridith Sandherr, 29, of Hampden, who has been an athlete all of her life. She is running only for herself -- as a personal challenge -- she says, but admits she'll be excited to see friends and family cheering her on.
Linda Rose, 51, of Homeland, who is running in her third marathon. She says she doesn't back down from a challenge and is looking forward to slugging it out on the course for four hours. "Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment," she says.
Alma Nyhan, 47, of Charles Village, who says she's "running to keep up with my friends, running to stay in shape and [because] I actually like to run."
Wayne Kookegey, 44, of Lutherville, who's running in his first marathon and credits his 18-month training program to the Charm City Run marathon-training group.
Anne Lewis, 31, of Roland Park, who has run five marathons, including the 2001 Marine Corps and the 2002 Boston Marathon. Lewis is the organizer of the Baltimore Marathon pace groups, through which she hopes to spread the joy of marathon running to others.
Erick Kimayo, 33, of Kenya, who has a personal-best marathon time of 2:07:43. Erick, a member of the FILA Discovery Running Team, oversees the FILA Discovery Kapsait Camp for Kenya's top youth cross country runners.
Ellen Flynn, 42, of Towson, who is running her first marathon. A year ago, she couldn't run one mile. Six months ago, she joined a running group. She admits to being a slow runner, but is determined to be part of the marathon.
Carrie Williams, 29, of Hamilton, who took up running two years ago. Although she's working full time and attending law school, she's determined to finish a marathon before she turns 30.
Liz Alex, 27, of Fells Point, who began running about two years ago to prepare herself for a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. She did reach the top of the mountain, and kept up her running afterward.
Zandy Campbell, 41, of Green Spring Valley, who, although plagued by injuries throughout his training, is determined to test his body and mind, and to best his time of 3:49 in the Marine Corps Marathon.
Bill Johnstone, 28, of Perry Hall, who decided two years ago to deal with weight and health problems by changing his lifestyle. He began running, lost 45 pounds and is looking forward to the challenge of his first marathon.
Joan Smith, 42, of Arbutus, who tried twice before to run a marathon but was sidelined both times by injuries during her training. She's hoping the third time will be a charm.
Bill Dee, 36, of Owings Mills, who is running his first marathon in honor of his 4-year-old son Ryan, who has "developmental delays" and cannot speak. "I'm sure he'll be with me every mile," Dee says.
Clarence Wilson, 45, of Aberdeen, who is running his 16th marathon since running his first -- just one year ago -- in Baltimore. He's also done six ultramarathons, including one 100-miler, and one 50-miler.
Elvira Kolpakova, 29, of Russia, who finished first among women in the 2001 Baltimore Marathon with a time of 2:52:08. Can she repeat?
Bob Tschannen-Moran, 47, of Williamsburg, Va., who has run in 15 marathons and one ultramarathon. Tschannen-Moran is the Baltimore Marathon's 4:30 pace team leader.
Princess Little, 29, of Randallstown, who is a "total beginner." A completed marathon is something she wants to achieve before she turns 30 in June.
Robert Grally, 76, of Parkville, who has been running for 31 years and has logged more than 43,000 miles. "My goal is to hit 50,000 miles by the time I am 86," he says. So far, he's completed 37 marathons.
Tim Mullen, 39, of Timonium who is motivated by his daughter Leah, who at 19 months old was diagnosed with cancer. She survived but was left deaf and epileptic. Leah is now 13 and Tim says she "has helped me easily get through miles and miles of training, runs and races."
And the Winners Were...
The top-five male and female finishers in the inaugural Baltimore Marathon were:
Luka Cherono, 24, Kenya, 2:19:44
Sammy Kosgei, 27, Kenya, 2:22:08
Simon Cherokony, 27, Kenya, 2:22:52
Gennady Temnilov, 40, Russia, 2:23:25
Chris Chattin, 37, Columbia, 2:29:15
Elvira Kolpakova, 29, Russia, 2:52:08
Melissa Rittenhouse, 25, Baltimore, 2:54:45
Connie Buckwalter, 31, Lancaster, Pa., 2:56:34
Deborah Leyh, 31, San Diego, Calif., 2:59:36
Laura Nelson, 36, Waynesboro, Va., 3:04:08
First Marathon?
Here are five "can't miss" tips for beginners. They're from Greg McMillan, a coach with the FILA Discovery Program.
1. Do what you've done in practice. Don't try anything in the marathon that you've not tried in training. Wear the same equipment. Eat the same foods.
2. Pace yourself. In the beginning of the race, it is easy to get excited and run too fast, but remember that the marathon is a long run. Keep your effort easy for the first 13-18 miles so that you have enough energy for the final miles of the race.
3. Hydrate. In the days leading up to the race, as well as during the race, make sure you stay hydrated. During the race, drink at each water stop.
4. Carbo-load. Make sure your pre-race meals are mostly carbohydrates. This will give your body the fuel it will need for the race.
5. Relax, have fun and do what you've trained to do. Remember, this is a fun event and you've trained hard for it. When you get to the race, it's simply time to do what your body knows to do -- run. Enjoy the "journey" of the marathon.
Questions / Answers
How many people are registered to run the marathon so far?
Registration is closed, so the final figures are in: 3,000 people have registered for the full marathon; 2,000 will be running as part of relay teams.
Is it too late to register for the 5K?
No, it's not. You can register for the FILA 5K and the CitiFinancial Kids' Fun Run (ages 12 and under) today and tomorrow at the Aetna Health & Fitness Expo at Ravens Stadium.
Where on the marathon course will the port-a-pots be?
Before the race begins, you can use the restrooms at Ravens Stadium (Gate A) and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. On the course, there will be bathrooms near mile markers 4, 6, 10, 14, 17, 20, 24 and the finish line.
What about water and Gatorade?
Miles 2 (no Gatorade), 4, 6, 8, 10, 12-25 and the finish line.
Any food?
GU gel at 13, 20; Utz salty snacks at 8, 15, 20, 23; bananas at 12 and 20.
How long do I have to finish the race?
You should plan to cross the finish line by 3 p.m.
What happens if I can't finish?
Vans (provided by the Police Athletic League) will be sweeping the route throughout the day and transporting anyone who cannot complete the course back to the start / finish line area.
I'm on a relay team. How do I get to my exchange point and back to Ravens Stadium?
Buses will transport you to the exchange point and back to the stadium. (Note: There is no transportation to and from the Science Center relay point; it's in walking distance of the start / finish line.)
What charities are benefiting from the registration fees?
A portion of the proceeds goes to various local charities, including Baltimore Reads, the Police Athletic League and Special Olympics Maryland.
How much money do the winners get?
The top-10 overall male and female winners will receive cash prizes. The top three prizes are $3,000, $2,000 and $1,500. There also will be age-group prizes.
I'm not running. Can I volunteer?
Unfortunately, it's too late. Special Olympics Maryland recruited and organized all the needed volunteers. Check back earlier next year.
Can I qualify for the Boston Marathon on this course.
Yes, race results will be forwarded to Boston officials.
Will there be a baggage-check area?
Yes, next to the Nextel Direct Connect Zone. It'll be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own bag.
Can I pick up a race packet for someone other than myself?
Yes, but that person must give written permission on his or her confirmation notice.
How can my family and friends find me quickly after the race?
The established meeting place is the SunTrust Celebration Village at Ravens Stadium's Lot B.
Will there be photographers at the finish line?
Yes, Marathon Foto will photograph runners at the finish line, and along the course. You'll receive purchase information in the mail.
Where will the race results be posted?
Results will be posted near the Nextel Direct Connect Zone. On the Web, the results will be at www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.
When will the marathon awards be given out?
The awards ceremony will take place at noon Saturday at the main stage in the SunTrust Celebration Village.
Best Sites for Watching the Marathon
1. Start / finish line area and Celebration Village. After seeing your runner off, enjoy free activites and entertainment in the village. Then head back outside to cheer on the finishers.
2. Druid Hill Park (mile 3). Enjoy the scenery in the park, as well as the excitement of the early competition.
3. All along St. Paul Street (mile 7 to 8).
4. The Can Company (mile 16). There's plenty of parking available in the garage, and there will be a big-city-style marathon tailgate. Enjoy live entertainment, and food and drink specials offered by Can Company merchants.
5. Patterson Park (mile 17). Join the Friends of Patterson Park and community residents, who'll be out in force in the park to staff the water stop and cheer on runners.
6. Washington Street, between Madison and Chase streets (mile 19). Watch the runners go by and enjoy a tribute to Colts great Johnny Unitas. The 19-mile marker will be shaped like a football jersey, the volunteers there will all be wearing No. 19 jerseys, and the Colts' fight song will be playing at times.
7. 33rd Street (mile 21 to 22). "A great place to line the route," says Carmel Locey, the marathon's public-relations coordinator.
Before, During and After
The Baltimore Marathon is more than just about the running; it's a big party for the whole city. So, besides the marathon, 5K and Fun Run, there's an array of activities for everyone to get involved in, from browsing exhibits and sampling new snacks at the health expo to playing interactive games presented by the Baltimore Ravens to dancing to band music. All events below are open to runners and the general public.
Aetna Health & Fitness Expo
The Aetna Health & Fitness Expo not only serves as headquarters for registration and packet pickup, it also offers various merchandise and exhibit booths for the health-conscious, active adult. Open to the public, the expo features shoes and apparel, athletic gear, marathon souvenirs and nutritional supplements. Visitors also can learn about the latest fitness technologies, watch demonstrations and receive free samples. The expo is located at the northside club level of Ravens Stadium. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. tomorrow. Free admission.
Dinner party
Lots of carbs are on the menu at tomorrow's dinner party at Ravens Stadium, southside club level. Fill up on Caesar salad, pasta with marinara, alfredo or bolognese sauce, cookies and various beverages, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. There'll also be live music by the Dirty City Band, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., and a talk about the marathon course by race director Dave Cooley, 7 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.
SunTrust Celebration Village
You could call the SunTrust Celebration Village the heart of the Baltimore Marathon. It's one of the runners' first stops after crossing the finish line, and the place for runners and their family and friends to reunite. During the marathon, it'll be the hangout for family and friends of runners. There'll be interactive games, music by Bobby & the Believers and Hugh Feely & Talk Is Cheap, the FILA souvenir shop, food and drink vendors and more. The village, located on Parking Lot C of Ravens Stadium, will be open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Free admission.
Post-race celebration awards ceremony
The awards ceremony will be held at noon at the main stage in the SunTrust Celebration Village, Parking Lot C of Ravens Stadium. Prizes and / or trophies will be awarded to winners in the marathon, relay and 5K. A post-awards concert will feature Hugh Feely & Talk Is Cheap at 1 p.m. Free admission.
A Street-by-Street Guide to the Route
Way to Go
The race begins at Paca and Pratt streets
North on Paca to McCulloh Street
Left on McCulloh and follow to Auchentoroly Terrace (mile 2 at North Avenue)
Follow Auchentoroly northwest to Gwynn Falls Parkway, turn right and enter Druid Hill Park
Follow park roads past Conservatory to Swann Drive / Madison Avenue and turn left (mile 3)
Follow park roads to East Drive, past the swimming pool, to exit park near Stieff Silver Building at the intersection of Sisson Street and Wyman Park Drive
Turn left on Keswick Road and follow to left turn on 34th Street
Take 34th to left on Falls Cliff Road and go to left on Falls Road (mile 5 at Roland Avenue)
Follow Falls across Maryland Avenue and Charles Street to right on St. Paul Street (mile 6 on Falls Road)
Follow St. Paul south as it becomes Light Street and continue south (mile 7 at St. Paul / Mount Royal Avenue)
Follow Light Street south to a right turn on Montgomery Street
Take Montgomery to left on Hanover Street
Follow Hanover across the bridge to left on Waterview Avenue and left back onto Hanover (mile 10 on bridge going out)
Turn right on Cromwell Street (mile 12 on Cromwell)
Turn right on McComas Street
Turn left on Key Highway (mile 13.1 near Key / Webster Street)
Turn right onto Light (mile 14 at Light and Lee Street)
Turn right on Pratt
Turn right on President Street
Turn left on Eastern Avenue (mile 15 on Eastern shortly after turn)
Follow Eastern to Chester Street and turn right
Follow Chester one block to Fleet Street
Cross Fleet and turn left on Boston Street
Turn left on Ellwood Avenue
Follow Ellwood to a left turn on Foster Avenue
From Foster, turn right on Linwood Avenue (mile 17)
Follow Linwood north to left on Madison Street
Follow Madison and turn right on Washington Street
Follow Washington to entrance to Clifton Park on St. Lo Drive
Follow St. Lo past Lake Clifton High School and exit park at Harford Road
Cross Harford onto the Alameda
Follow the Alameda and make a left on 33rd Street (mile 21 at Alameda and 33rd)
Follow 33rd and turn left on Guilford Avenue (mile 22 at 33rd and Guilford)
Follow Guilford and turn right on 29th Street
Take 29th to Howard Street and turn left
Follow Howard to a right turn on Preston Street (mile 23 at Howard and 25th Street)
Take Preston to a left turn on Eutaw Street
Follow Eutaw to Martin Luther King Boulevard
Follow MLK to a left turn on Lombard Street (mile 25 at MLK and Saratoga Street)
Turn right on Eutaw (mile 26 at Eutaw and Camden Street)
Follow Eutaw through Oriole Park at Camden Yards, over Lee Street to finish on spine near the 395 overpass
FILA 5K race
If 26.2 miles is just a bit too much of a run for you and you've been closed out of the marathon relay, how about trying the FILA 5K? The run of 3.1 miles begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The course starts at Lemmon and Paca streets and ends at Ravens Stadium, taking runners through historic sections of Baltimore. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top-three male and female runners. Register through tomorrow at the Aetna Health & Fitness Expo at the stadium. There is no packet pickup on race day; final pickup 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the stadium's Gate A, northside club level. Registration fee: $25. Call 800-487-0670.
CitiFinancial Kids' Fun Run
New this year is the Kids' Fun Run, a race specifically for those age 12 and under. Kids ages 6 and under will run 100 yards, beginning at 9:20 a.m. Saturday. Kids ages 7-9 will run a third of a mile at 9:30 a.m. Kids ages 10-12 will run a half mile at 9:40 a.m. Parents should bring their children to the SunTrust Celebration Village at Ravens Stadium. From there, they will be escorted to the start line. When kids cross the finish line -- the same finish line as the marathoners -- they will receive a medal and a Subway snack bag. Registration through tomorrow at the Aetna Health & Fitness Expo at the stadium. There is no packet pickup on race day; final pickup 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the stadium's Gate A, northside club level. Registration fee: $10. Call 800-487-0670.