Yes it's a wierd time, but it's a wierd wierd world. Stuff happens.
Put it on your calendar, follow/like us on Instagram and Facebook, respond to the event on Facebook. I can't emphasize this enough: START TRAINING RIGHT NOW. I suggest you go ahead and carbo-load today.
Call us crazy. Maybe we're addicted to the runner's high. Maybe we are just ready to get out of the house for an outdoor social activity. Maybe we like it when our special needs friends get to go to art camp. Whatever the reason, the Microthon is BACK baby!
The Rocket City Microthon is the most (the only?) prestigious event for the least elite non-athletes. Put on your numbered bib (just like the real racers!) and run, walk, crawl, skip, roll - whatever it takes to get across the 0.12K Butler Green at Campus 805 and claim your coveted Finisher's Medal (aka bottle opener) and oval "0.12K" sticker to let other drivers know "Hey I'm better than you." Don't let all the fun tents with cool stuff along the course distract you from your goal - visit them on your way to redeem your golden ticket at a participating Campus 805 brewery or restaurant! Maybe put on your race T-shirt first so everyone will be impressed with your non-athletic prowess.
You've done it once, twice, FOUR TIMES and think "whew, now I can cross Microthon off my bucket list"? Not so fast buster. Are you going to be the one to tell the performers who presented you your previous medals that they've been to special needs arts camp once, twice, three times and now can cross it off their list? I didn't think so either.
Kiddo wants a t-shirt and medal too and their school isn't thrilled with our Boozer logo? Anyone can register for the $15 Kiddo Packet - registration includes a "Boozer-free" T-shirt, medal and sticker. NO TICKETS are included but there's always the Golden Ticket add-on package.
One golden ticket not enough? Add our Golden Ticket package and get two MORE golden tickets (be sure to download the Uber or Lyft app before you come). Hopefully you'll figure out that this package is tickets ONLY, not race registration and all the accompanying swag. Feel free to just buy this if you just want to consume while watching the race. You will be presented with the option to buy 2 more golden tickets when you register for the race or the Slacker's Package. Buy the extra tickets! Tickets can be used at Straight to Ale, Yellowhammer, Earth & Stone Wood Fired Pizza, Hops & Guac, and Offbeat Coffee Studio (maybe we'll sweet-talk more vendors into taking the tickets) and are worth $6 each, and valid on the day of the event only (2pm-6pm).
0.12K too much for you? Would you consider 383 feet? No? Oh well, then the Slacker's Package is for you. You get all the swag and none of the sweat. Sure, it's double the price but if I know you, you'll pay anything not to have to run. Hit that Donate button again if the price isn't high enough to assuage your guilt.
Think you're not ready for an 0.12K? Then plan to like our Facebook page for our "Recliner to 0.12K" ('cause that 'other word for sofa to 5K' is copyrighted and they are a snippy bunch) training program led by Huntsville Adventure Boot Camp coach Joe Martin. RSVP to our event and share it on your own page - everyone will be impressed with your athletic ability (especially those who never learned their metric system). RocketCityMicrothon FacebookYou can also check out our training videos at our YouTube page here (we suggest you follow the link, instead of searching YouTube for "Microthon", as just one more letter in there gets you videos having to do with people not wearing a lot of underwear): RocketCityMicrothon YouTube
What's the point of all this? Do you NEED a point to enjoy a fall Sunday afternoon of festivities and beer at Campus 805? Fine, then check out the Merrimack Hall section below - all funds from the event go to provide arts education (dance, drama, creative writing, visual arts, arts summer camp, yoga, etc.) to special needs children, youth, and adults. There's a LOT of awesomeness going on at Merrimack. Why not hit the "donate" button above and add a little somepin somepin?
Interested in sponsoring or helping out or know someone who has a lot of money they want to give us? Check out those sections below as well.
You only fit into ONE T-shirt size and it's not XL? Register early to ensure you get the T-shirt size you order. It takes 10 days to get shirts made people!
A few tips:
Our sponsors are the BEST - supporting a fantastic charity and making a fun event possible. Contact merrimackrg@gmail.com if you or your business are interested in sponsoring in any way!
Interested in sponsoring The Rocket City Microthon (and who wouldn't be)? We really need you 'cause $25 doesn't actually cover t-shirts, bottle openers, and vanity stickers. We are looking for a medal sponsor this year - your logo will be seen every time someone opens a refreshing beverage for years to come! There are opportunities to have your logo on our frequently-appearing-in-everyone's-clothes-rotation T-shirts, or perhaps across the top of one of the sure to be oft-visited tents along the course (sponsor our silliness, or set up your own demo/display/sales), or whatever awesome idea you may have. For a mere $100 you can have a personalized sign somewhere along the "length" of the course - encourage your favorite non-athlete in their great endeavor to complete the Microthon. Got an even better idea? Contact Lesley Burnette at merrimackrg@gmail.com.
Want to help hand out Finisher's Medals to the amazing non-athletes as they struggle, gasping, across the finish line? Are you good at video production and would document the event? Maybe you'd like to dress up like a naughty nurse and staff the first aid tent, or you've got an idea for another sort of fun R&R tent? Or you're just DYING to pick up trash after a 300 person event? Then we can help. We can give you that "I did something good for someone" feeling and it won't cost you a THING (but maybe 4 hours of your time). Please contact Contact Lesley Burnette at merrimackrg@gmail.com.
All money raised by The Rocket City Microthon will directly benefit children, youth, and adults with special needs through Merrimack Hall. Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Huntsville, Alabama. Their mission is to provide visual and performing arts education, and cultural activities, to children and adults with special needs and to provide quality professional entertainment to the community. Merrimack Hall’s Arts Program provides year-round, comprehensive arts education and social and cultural opportunities to children, teens and adults with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities.
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