Diplomatic Immunity
I’m so excited to be traveling down to Jacksonville Beach this weekend to take part in the DONNA Race Weekend as an Ambassador for Destination Marathons. Although diplomatic immunity isn’t one of the perks, it’s exciting to be a part of something that combines two of my favorite things to do, travel and run.
The Mission
Destination Marathons provides a VIP experience for runners and spectators. They manage all the logistics so guests can focus on the race, build friendships, and create memories. And I will get to witness this in action for the first time! As one who generally does all the planning that goes into a “racecation”, it’s going to be wonderful to show up and run, knowing that all the details have already been handled.
The Experience
Starting with a welcome reception on Thursday evening, the entire weekend is filled with activities designed to enhance the runner’s race experience.
Friday
Friday will be an action packed day beginning with a shakeout run followed by a Speaker Panel Lunch, featuring Olympians Jeff Galloway and Joan Benoit Samuelson as well as Dr. Dawn M. Mussallem, D.0., Cancer Survivor / Heart Transplant Recipient.
The afternoon will include Runner Workshops by Fitz Koehler (Fitness expert, speaker, author and professional race announcer) on Health Cancer Comeback and Kelsey Pontius (Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics and Elite runner, US 2020 & 2024 Marathon Olympic Trials Qualifier) on Building Meals That Support Performance. Michele Sharp (Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist) will also give a workshop on Recovery Tips to Improve Performance.
After all that, one of the perks I am most excited about as a VIP is having packet/bib pickup at the hotel. For one who isn’t a big fan of expos and likes to get in and get out as quickly as possible, this is something I am really looking forward to.
Saturday
Saturday is the start of race weekend. For those not doing the 5K or the ultra marathon there will be a shakeout run, followed by beach games. Coming from Michigan where it’s supposed to be 0 degrees to start the day, beach games are just what the doctor ordered!
The evening will play host to a pre-race pasta dinner and silent auction to benefit the DONNA Foundation. Everyone knows the importance of carb loading and finding a place to get your fill when visiting someplace new can be a bit of a challenge. Not as a Destination Marathons VIP!! Having dinner right at the hotel is super helpful since I’m an early to bed kind of guy, especially with an early morning wake up for racing.
Sunday (Race Day)
Having a host hotel so close to the start line will make race day a breeze. In addition to having an early breakfast available for runners, the .2 mile walk to the start line will be a welcome change of pace from some of the races that I’ve done recently.
After finishing, whether running the full or half marathon (I’m doing the half as a tune up race for Tokyo) runners will be able to celebrate in style at the DM VIP tent complete with post race massage. I don’t know about y’all, but I think a post race massage is a perk that is just about priceless.
I’m sure there are plenty of perks I am forgetting to mention and will have plenty to say in my post race wrap up. Having several more Destination Marathons trips on my travel agenda for the year, I am excited to be an Ambassador for such a great organization!!
Bonus Good News
Tickets for the speaker luncheon, runner workshop and dinner and day pass tickets are still available!
And in case you didn’t know, subscribing to the Travel Oracle is also free. And we can offer you diplomatic immunity for trespasses like singing off key and dangling participles.
