Welcome Runners!
 On behalf of the Race Committee, I am pleased to welcome you to the race field of the 2008 Sony Ericsson City of Oaks Marathon and Rex Healthcare Half Marathon, the area's premier distance running event.
The race resulted from the Committee's efforts to bring a major marathon to Raleigh and showcase this fast-growing, diverse, and surprisingly scenic area. Last year's inaugural event hosted nearly 4,000 participants. We expect this year's event to be even bigger.
The race will feature a new start and finish location on N.C. State University's Centennial Campus, a faster course, and a new, larger venue for the race's visitRaleigh.com Health & Fitness Expo.
The race is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. We are pleased to profile our major supporters in the newsletters you'll receive leading up to the race. The profiles highlight the companies' community offerings and some of the things they have in store for you on race weekend. Please look for these sponsors at the race expo and the official start/finish location.
Thank you for your participation, and I look forward to seeing you on race day.
Jim Micheels, Race Director
Course Adjustment
The course has undergone a slight adjustment so that the race can start and finish at the same location. When running downtown, runners will turn left off Dawson Street onto Martin Street—one block earlier than first laid out. The course then turns left onto Fayetteville Street (at approximately mile 3) and proceeds along the original route.
The race website will be updated shortly to reflect the change.
New Website Serves as Your Raleigh Tour Guide
 When planning your stay in Raleigh, go to visitRaleigh.com, the official source for area visitor information. You'll find maps, a detailed calendar of events, plus details on attractions, dining, shopping and more.
visitRaleigh.com is the official website of the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, which partners with the race again this year as a major sponsor. The non-profit Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau aims to promote all types of visitor business to enhance the economic growth and development of Raleigh and Wake County.
The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to serve as the title sponsor of the visitRaleigh.com Health and Fitness Expo. The Expo, located this year at N.C. State University's McKimmon Center, is free and open to everyone. Over 40 exhibitors will participate in this fun-filled event offering a wide variety of apparel, shoes, equipment and accessories for the entire family, along with area visitor information. The Expo also serves as the race's official packet pickup site.
Expo hours:
- Friday, October 31
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 1
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Presenting Sponsor Raleigh Running Outfitters Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
 Raleigh Running Outfitters is pleased to serve once again as presenting sponsor of the Sony Ericsson City of Oaks Marathon and Rex Healthcare Half Marathon. An independently owned and operated specialty running store located in north Raleigh, Raleigh Running Outfitters has been serving the Triangle since August 2003. Since then, it has become nationally recognized, awarded as one of the top running stores in the country.
With a team of nearly 50 dedicated, local athletes, a friendly, expert staff of serious runners, a long-term commitment to the local racing community, and an unbeatable selection of over 60 different performance running shoes, RRO has become the area’s premier source for running gear and running insight.
In 2007, RRO doubled its square footage and added a Super Mondo X track surface for in-store shoe testing. In 2008, RRO introduced video gait analysis – a state-of-the-art system for advanced shoe fitting. With a unique level of support and service and outstanding selection of running shoes, apparel, and accessories, the Raleigh Running shopping experience is an experience like no other. Be sure to plan your visit to RRO or see them at the visitRaleigh.com Health and Fitness Expo.
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