Rehoboth marathon a premier event

Many outstanding activities highlight the Cape Region’s beauty and diverse interests, from jazz festival and film festival to Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers’ Festival.

But anyone looking for an event that boosts the beach economy in December and generates literally thousands of happy ambassadors should look no further than Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon and Half-Marathon.

Born at locally owned Rehoboth Beach Running Company, partnering with locally owned Seashore Striders, the marathon began in 2008 with fewer than 500 runners.

This year, 1,100 people registered for the 26.2-mile marathon, while 1,900 registered for the half. That’s 3,000 people racing up Rehoboth Avenue on a flat, fast course.

Runners from 40 states ran on our scenic trails and quiet streets. Many local runners made it to the podium, joined by runners from Texas, California and Kentucky, among many other states.

Yet running a marathon is about much more than the best and the fastest. One runner celebrated her first race following surgery; another was thrilled to run following cancer treatment. One mom raced after the birth of a child, another just weeks before her baby was due. A happy dad hoisted his baby near the finish, and the two crossed the line together.

Whatever their reasons, when runners reached the finish, many brimmed with a joy so intense some burst into tears. Hundreds would post to social media about the great kindnesses of volunteers and other runners and the magical, inspiring beauty of our streets and trails.

This homegrown event is on the calendar for runners hoping to run fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon – which more than 14 percent of this year’s marathoners achieved. Yet it’s also on the calendar for people who came for the sheer joy of running at the beach in December.

Congratulations to Mary Beth Evans, Tim Bamforth, their team and their army of volunteers for an exceptional race that makes Rehoboth a great destination all year round.