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Suiting Up For Season 2 Ocala Style has the exclusive first look at the Super Medal for the Big Hammock Race Series— Season 2, presented by Prime Mortgage Group. › By JoAnn Guidry
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hen it comes to runners, never underestimate the power of bling. And in the case of the Big Hammock Race Series— Season 2, presented by Prime Mortgage Group, the coveted bling is the Super Medal. “There is only one way to earn the Super Medal,” says Karen Donnelly, an avid runner and co-founder of the BHRS with Tina Banner. “You have to compete in and finish all four Super Races in the series. And we discovered from the inaugural series that earning that Super Medal is a great motivator. Of the 300 participants in the inaugural series, 150 earned Super Medals.” Banner, also a dedicated runner and executive vice president of United Way of Marion County, agrees. We found out in talking to runners, There is only one way to especially beginners, earn the Super Medal. You that the Super Medal health through running. Having to run in all four Super Races to have to compete in and is an added incentive earn the Super Medal makes people accountable and gives them finish all four Super Races in for them to get moving a reward.” the series. and achieve a fitness Donnelly, who is the owner of marketing design firm Plaid Frog › Karen Donnelly goal. It’s not about Creative Resources, designed both the inaugural and the second how you finish, it’s all Super Medal. about finishing.” “This season’s Super Medal combines elements of sparkle, stained glass and The BHRS was born out of an initiative to improve charms,” says Donnelly. “It is a bright silver rectangular medal with silver glitter the health of the Ocala/Marion County community. fill in the front. It features two dangling charms, our signature acorn and the The BHRS was designed to be inclusive, from number 4 to represent the four Super Races. The name ‘Ocala’ is prominent in beginners to elite runners. The four Super Races in navy blue stained glass to emphasize our city as a race destination. Each Super the 2016-2017 BHRS are: Harvest Hustle (Saturday, Race name is on the back of the medal, and each race’s logo is featured on the October 22 at Silver Springs State Park); Reindeer ribbon. I wanted it to be irresistible bling.” Run 5K (Saturday, December 10); Ocala Marathon In addition to presenting sponsor Prime Mortgage Group, other BHRS (Sunday, January 15); and Blueberry Horseshoe 5K sponsors to date are Ocala Style and Healthy Living magazines, Plaid Frog (Stay tuned! Late winter/early spring date and time Creative Resources, United Way of Marion County and Gateway Bank. coming soon). “The Super Races allow you to earn huge points toward your series total,” says Donnelly. “Plus the Harvest Hustle (5K and 10K) and Ocala Marathon (5K, half-marathon and marathon) events give you distance options to run in. We really want to WANT TO KNOW MORE? › bighammockraceseries.com encourage people to participate and improve their
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The Big Hammock Race Series— Season 2, presented by Prime Mortgage Group Cornerstone Leads The Way 5K Kick Off (9/24/2016) Harvest Hustle 5K, 10K & Duathlon/ Super Race (10/22/2016) Turkey Trot 5K (11/24/2016) Gateway Bank Reindeer Run 5K/Super Race (12/10/2016) Ocala Marathon/ Half Marathon & 5K/ Super Race (1/15/2017) Blueberry Horseshoe 5K/Super Race (Late winter/early spring date and time coming soon!) St. Paddy’s Day 5K (3/18/2017) Iggy’s 4 On The Fourth Of July Freedom Run (7/4/2017)