Menifee Half Marathon Has its Own Special Appeal

As Eduardo Ayala showed in last year's Menifee Half Marathon, sometimes the race goes to the dogs.

Bob Duistermars remembers at least one lesson that the organizers of the Menifee Half Marathon learned in developing an event that this weekend will turn 4 years old.

"The first year, we didn't have restrooms out on the course," he said. "We heard about that one right away, and we fixed it the next year."

Duistermars is president and CEO of Central County United Way, based in Hemet. United Way is the beneficiary of funds raised through entry fees for the Menifee Half Marathon, which will be run again Saturday morning. He said an average of $10,000 to $15,000 a year is raised for the United Way.

Although runners no longer have to worry about whether they can make a "pit stop", little else has changed in four years. The way the organizers see it, why mess with a good thing? An average of 300 runners each year participate in the half marathon (roughly 13 miles) or 5K "fun run" to raise money for charity and keep physically fit.

While you will see some running with dogs, walking or pushing baby strollers over the course, you will also see some very serious competitors. Runners from throughout Southern California, including many military personnel, look for distance runs such as this and maintain a regular schedule virtually year-round.

"It really has a regional draw," said Duistermars, who helps race coordinator Connie Hall on race day. "We go into runner's magazines and reach out to running clubs. And when you market this, it gets the name of the city out there."

The City of Menifee is the primary sponsor of the event. According to Duistermars, city officials liked the idea of a half marathon in their city the minute it was brought up.

"They said, 'This is the kind of city we want to be known as -- one of health and fitness.'" said Duistermars. "And the rural feel the race has to it, with that dirt part of the course, it's different than a lot of distance races. It kind of feels like you're going out of the city and into America's heartland. You'll run past farm animals and tractors."

The race starts in front of Mt. San Jacinto College on Antelope Road. Runners head south to Scott Road, back north to Garbani Road, then east into the rural eastern part of Menifee. At one point, runners heading north on Briggs Road make a right turn onto Holland Road, which is a dirt road at that point until they turn around and head back in the other direction. They are surrounded by agricultural fields on each side and there is little noise except for the pounding of feet and the chirping of birds.

The race begins at 7 a.m. and registration opens at 6 a.m. Early registration online ends today but registration will also be taken the day of the race. For details, visit the Menifee Half Marathon website.