A runner passes a water stop along 17th street during a past half marathon.

The mile after mile marker 12 starts with a left turn from 17th Street to St. Marys Avenue, then quickly makes a right turn back onto 17th Street. Be sure not to miss your turn. Participants will follow a few blocks of a slight uphill stretch before turning yet again. It is all downhill from here as runners and walkers move onto Market Street where they will enter the final stretch of the race. They begin a descent after a short flat and straight portion of the course. This area also moonlights as the Homecoming Festival Parade route, which means participants near the rear will be met with hundreds of people encouraging runners and walkers as they await the parade. Be sure to give them some waves as they cheer you on.

A fun fact is that mile markers 11 and 12 are the only ones on the left side of the road.

The News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race will be held Aug. 16.

Register for the races at: https://www.newsandsentinelhalfmarathon.com/

Questions? Contact Race Coordinator Sarah Watson at halfmarathon@newsandsentinel.com