New half-marathon offers discount for snowed-out runners

Robert Pozo, race director for a new half-marathon coming to Myrtle Beach this fall, is offering runners who were snowed out of last weekend's Myrtle Beach Marathon half-off on registration fees for his fall event.

"I want people to come back to Myrtle Beach. There are so many great things about this community," he said. "This is a runner-friendly community and no one is trying to drive them away."

The Myrtle Beach Marathon was canceled on the eve of the run last week as snow fell across the region and the city of Myrtle Beach worried about runners and volunteers being injured on the partly open race course.

Many runners are unhappy with the decision, and Pozo, whose inaugural race will benefit the Grand Strand Humane Society, said he wanted to do something for them.

For the next two weeks, runners who have proof that they were registered for the Myrtle Beach Marathon can sign up for the new half-marathon to be held Oct. 24 for $30 instead of the current $60 registration. Pozo said the registration fees will go up as the race gets closer.

The Myrtle Beach Marathon organizers have said they are considering options, but won't be able to give a full refund to those who didn't get to run last week. The marathon board of directors has not made a decision yet about what it will do for those runners, though organizers have said they expect to resolve things soon.

To get more information about the new Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon or to sign up, visit www.runmyrtlebeach.com, call 800-733-7089 or e-mail info@runmyrtlebeach.com.