Shawnee Marathon hopes to boost economy

Rebecca Wyatt Nevitt learned while designing and organizing the first Shawnee Marathon Half.Full Distances that Roanoke's marathon dumps $1.5 million into the local economy each year.

"We want to surpass that here," she said.

"That is a goal worth working toward."

She is taking the necessary steps to reach that goal. She is organizing the second Shawnee Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25.

The full marathon will start from the Southeastern Illinois College parking lot at 7:30 a.m. The half-marathon will start from the same place at 7:45 a.m. The Tomahawk Relay will begin at 8 a.m.

The race is a fully sanctioned Boston Marathon Qualifier Race.

"We got word we were sanctioned just after last year's marathon was completed. You have to have a certified course, measured to the inch and the race must be professionally timed," she said. "Everyone who runs has to sign a disclaimer in case of injury."

There will be three trophies per group that runs. A men's overall trophy and a women's overall trophy will be awarded as well.

"The generosity and support of our community helps us to believe we will reach our overall goal which is to become a highly successful event that promotes Harrisburg and Southern Illinois," she said.

"I am very grateful to our two title sponsors, Harrisburg Medical Center and Durham Hardware and our 26 other sponsors as well."

Call Nevitt at 618-731-2613 if questions arise. Entry fees vary depending on the event entered. Entry forms can be secured by contacting rebecca@shawneemarathon.com