In anticipation of the highly awaited race weekend, the Bojangles Boplex in east Charlotte became a bustling hub as thousands of participants gathered for the Around the Crown expo. This annual event serves as a crucial preparation point for runners gearing up for the race, which is set to take place on Sunday.
At the expo, runners lined up to collect their race bibs, T-shirts, and various promotional giveaways, creating an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. Organizers of the event have set up several stations that provide essential resources such as ice packs, fans, and hydration options to help participants acclimate to the warm weather expected on race day.
A cherished tradition at the expo is the signing of a banner that will be displayed over Interstate 277. This banner serves as a source of encouragement for runners as they pass beneath it during the race, fostering a sense of community and support among participants.
Among the attendees was first-time racer Cadence Szilagwy, who made a spontaneous decision to join the race just the night before. "Yes and we decided last night! The stakes are low; we kind of just want to have fun!" she expressed enthusiastically. Szilagwy also had a stroke of luck at the bib pickup, winning a new pair of running shoes in a random drawing.
The expo also saw participation from various community groups, including “Active Dad,” an organization dedicated to bringing fathers together to run with their daughters. Dequan Hill, a member of the Active Dad group, is participating in the Around the Crown for his third consecutive year. He described the experience as "our own kind of therapy and community for dads," emphasizing the energetic atmosphere of the race.
Another Active Dad member, Mike Norman-Robinson, highlighted the social connections fostered by the event. "It’s like bringing everybody together, meeting people through other dads and stuff like that; it’s amazing, it’s so fun," he said, noting that group members will be running the course alongside their daughters, further strengthening their bonds.
As the expo continues, bib pickup and gear distribution will be available on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bojangles Boplex, allowing more runners to prepare for the race. The excitement will culminate on Sunday when Channel Nine broadcasts the race live starting at 7 a.m., with elite runners set to take off at 7:30 a.m.
Leave a Comment