Thanks for Choosing the City of Oaks

Thank you for your entry to the 2009 City of Oaks Marathon and Rex Healthcare Half Marathon. With so many U.S. marathons and half marathons from which to choose, we're glad you selected the Triangle area's premier distance running event.

The surprisingly scenic race course showcases the quaintness of downtown Raleigh and the rugged beauty of Umstead State Park. The Race Committee — comprised of dedicated marathon runners — strives to provide you with race-perfect accommodations. From pre-race dinners, to race-day hydration, spectator support, and post-race refreshments, we're working to make these miles the most enjoyable you've ever run.

Like last year's event, the 2009 race will start and finish location on N.C. State University's Centennial Campus at 7:00 a.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rex Healthcare Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

The race is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:

• Rex Healthcare
• Raleigh Running Outfitters
• visitRaleigh.com
• Sony Ericsson
• Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
• Puma
• Diamond Springs Water
• Hammer Nutrition
• FS Series
• Marriott Raleigh City Center
• Papa John's Pizza
• Progressive Graphics
• SmartBox Portable Storage

Please look for these sponsors at the visitRaleigh.com Health & Fitness Expo and the official start/finish location.

We look forward to seeing you at the starting line on race day.

Jim Micheels, Race Director

Packet Pickup Venue Change

Like last year's event, the 2009 visitRaleigh.com Health & Fitness Expo will be held at N.C. State University's McKimmon Center. This is a venue change; the Expo will NOT be held at the Carmichael Gymnasium as originally slated. The McKimmon Center is located at 1101 Gorman Street. For directions, visit the City of Oaks Marathon website.

Sponsored by the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, the visitRaleigh.com Health & Fitness Expo 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 are:

• Friday, October 30
  2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31
  10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Pre-Race Pasta Dinner at the New Busy Bee Cafe

Visit a Raleigh landmark and enjoy a pre-race pasta meal at the new Busy Bee Cafe!

The recent restoration of Wilmington Street's 1920s Busy Bee Cafe has met with rave reviews. The restaurant has become known for its locally and organically farmed ingredients and world-class beer menu. Don't miss out!

$10 ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET
Saturday, October 31
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker at 7:00 p.m. — City of Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker

No tickets required! Bring your family members and guests and enjoy:

• Pasta with marinara sauce, meat sauce or white sauce
• Green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, ranch or Caesar dressing
• Garlic bread

For directions, visit the Busy Bee Cafe website.