Wesley Eggleston | Staff Writer
J&A Racing will be hosting their annual “Crawlin Crab” half marathon, 5K, children’s run and Craft Brew Fest this Friday through Sunday in downtown Hampton.
Barring any inclement weather, the event will kick off on October 2nd with a Sports and Fitness Expo at the Hampton Roads Convention Center and feature vendors from the health and fitness industry; October 3 will feature the 5K, beginning at 8 a.m., and 1K Kid’s Run at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with the half marathon on October 4 at 8 am.
The Craft Brew fest will take place Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are a few key reasons why the event has been so successful in past years.
Firstly, in the race’s inaugural year, it was the largest running race ever put together on the Peninsula. Secondly, it provides a fun atmosphere to Hampton that all families and participants can appreciate.
Thirdly, it promotes the City of Hampton and provides an economic boost to city businesses, hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions.
The event’s organizer, Bob Schniedwind is the volunteer coordinator, community relations director, and youth programs director for J&A Racing. The event will promote several benefits to the Hampton Roads area such as eating right, how to maintain a steady workout regimen and the importance of being active.
“The race will also help the premier charity, The Noblemen [a Va. Beach based philanthropic group], who provide assistance to children in need throughout Hampton Roads,” Mr. Schniedwind shared.
While the city of Hampton will benefit most from the event, Hampton University will also garner recognition from the surrounding neighborhoods and runners for their contributions.
Mrs. Jelisa Sinn-Braswell’s UNV 200 class will be a part of the action as a cheer team that will be motivating runners on the sidelines.
“Usually our cheer team meets at Eaton and E Queen Streets with banners we’ve decorated to encourage and cheer on the runners as they pass the 6th mile marker”, Sinn-Braswell said. In addition to Sinn-Braswell’s class, students can be course marshals, responsible for distributing water or rooting the runners on as they pass by.
Some of the other groups volunteering will include the Hampton University branch of the Hampton Roads Naval ROTC Unit, the Zeta Xi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, and students from the Beta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta fraternity.
With students and faculty of Hampton University so heavily involved, it shows the Hampton Roads area that Hampton Nation cares and contributes to the greater good of the community.
“We are grateful to have Hampton University students and faculty be part of the eventful weekend. Several will be participating, and several others will be assisting as volunteers,” Mr. Schniedwind said.
“Some will be volunteering as individuals, but we also have a few organized groups – such as Ms. Sinn-Braswell’s amazing cheer station – who will be assisting runners throughout the weekend.”
With such a big event coming to town, one may be wondering if a celebrity might make an appearance to get things started. Unfortunately, to date, no celebrities have shown up to the event but Hampton Mayor George Wallace is scheduled to make an appearance.
With all that the Crawlin Crab weekend festivities have to offer, the event should be memorable this year and for more years to come.
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