Press Release: The Raleigh Half Marathon returns in 2020 with new Gateway Plaza start

November 19, 2019 – Raleigh, North Carolina – Now in its second year, the Raleigh Half Marathon returns on Saturday, February 22, 2020 to a new time of year, and a new section of the Capital Area Greenway. After its inaugural year at Buffaloe Road Athletic Park and along the Neuse River Greenway, the race course moves to the Crabtree Creek Greenway for 2020, starting by the recently redeveloped Gateway Plaza, and running to Anderson Point Park (and back).

“After year one, we have gained invaluable knowledge and expertise on what it takes to put on an excellent half marathon. From the course layout, to the minutiae of parking and water stations, we are ready to bring the Raleigh Half Marathon back better than ever, and you won’t want to miss it,” said race co-founder, Sir Walter Running’s Sandy Roberts.

A big change to 2020 is the move to the Crabtree Creek Greenway, with the race starting by Gateway Plaza on Crabtree Boulevard. “Gateway Plaza is excited to welcome the Raleigh Half Marathon in 2020. Our soon-to-be-completed outdoor plaza will be the perfect location to host an incredible post-race party. Participants and spectators will be able to enjoy the unique goods, services, and food and beverage options, offered by our tenants. We’re excited to partner with Sir Walter Running on this great event for our City,” said Loden Properties Partner and Gateway Plaza Developer.

The longest running business in Gateway Plaza is the reknowned Gateway Restaurant, and one of the new anchors is HQ Raleigh. “The main reason that HQ chose Gateway Plaza for our newest coworking space was to build out community in this area of Raleigh, in an intentional and inclusive way. Events like the 2020 (Raleigh) Half Marathon are great examples of exactly how we can accomplish that goal. Sir Walter Running’s mission is to bring the Greater Raleigh running community together through innovation, activation, and inclusivity, so HQ couldn’t be more aligned with this cause, and we are excited to support them,” said Jess Porta, Director, HQ Raleigh.

Another business doing good for the community is Designed for Joy, a nonprofit transitional work experience for women coming from vulnerable situations. “Heading into our third year, we are excited to be at Gateway Plaza with like minded neighbors, small businesses passionate about creating jobs and building up Raleigh,” said Founder/Director, Cary Heise.

One of the businesses that has taken off since the renovation of Gateway Plaza is Union Special. “We’re very excited to have the (Raleigh) Half Marathon hosted at Gateway Plaza. Union Special is built on participating in events within our community, and contributing to the continuing and evolving story that is our Plaza on Crabtree Boulevard. Our cafe and bakery is open to any and everyone that enjoys great food and honest bread,” said Owner/Baker, Andrew Ullom.

Another business that will be a big part of the post race celebration is Mordecai Beverage Company, “a community based taproom and small batch brewery focusing on providing a great selection of beer, wine and cider,” per owner, Andrew Christenbury. Expect offerings from Mordecai and Bond Brothers Beer Company offshoot, race sponsor Pursuit Ales, to be available on race day. Pursuit recently collaborated with Sir Walter Running on “Toe the Line,” a 4.2% ale brewed with lime and sea salt, which will be available November 29th.

While many businesses are open at Gateway Plaza, some are coming soon, but already have a Triangle presence, including Arrichion Hot Yoga and Circuit Training, who is opening at Gateway in early 2020, the recently annouced Wyatt’s, a whole hog barbecue restaurant from Wyatt Dickson of PICNIC in Durham, and BREW Coffee Bar, who operates locations at Seaboard Station, and at the newly opened McNeill Pointe.

“While we prefer running towards a good cup of coffee, we are so excited to have the Raleigh Half Marathon move to the Gateway Plaza! We will be standing ready with plenty of post-running refreshments,” said BREW Owner, Mike Sholar.

Also new to Raleigh is The Longleaf Hotel. The soon-to-open Longleaf is the official race hotel, and will offer runners who choose to stay there exclusive goody bags, and their race packets, upon arrival.

Race day parking will be courtesy of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, just a short walk from the start, and finish.

The race will again be the 2020 USATF North Carolina State Championship. All finishers will receive a unique 2020 Raleigh Half Marathon Finisher’s medal, and the Top 75 Men and Top 75 Women overall will earn a handmade Raleigh Half Marathon Change Dish from Porch Dog Pots.

The Top 3 Male and Female finishers, as well as the Top Masters Runners, will recieve prize money. The race will be limited to 750 runners. Free and custom training plans for the event are available through Sound Running, and pacers will be available during the race.

Registration information, Sponsorship, Volunteer information, and more can be found at RaleighHalfMarathon.com

The Raleigh Half Marathon is directed and promoted by Sir Walter Running, a Raleigh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring the Greater Raleigh running community together through innovation, activation, and inclusivity. Sir Walter Running is a USATF club that also produces the Sir Walter Miler, the Pop Up Miles series, the Raleigh RunDown Downhill Mile, Pop Up Cross Country at Dix Park, a series of Strava Challenges, and the Summer of Miles podcast. The 2020 Raleigh Half Marathon logo was designed by Bobby Peavey.

For more information, sponsorship information, or interview requests, contact Pat Price at [email protected] and 919.783.7660.