Five Points of Life Race Weekend History

2006 Events & Summary | 2007 Events & Summary

Starbucks - birthplace of a marathon?

Those of us at LifeSouth, Gainesville Sports Commission and the Marathon Planning Committee have been asked more than once, “Why did you decide to organize a marathon?”

It’s a good question. Many of you have been waiting for an event like this in our running-friendly community.

Well, you never know when a great idea is going to cross your path and this one did after a
morning run when a group of us (some LifeSouth employees, family members and friends) ended our 3-miler at Starbucks on Newberry Road at the Plaza Royale.

Starbucks Manager Marty Bowers was used to having our sweaty group rolling in three mornings a week. As he handed LifeSouth’s President & CEO Nancy Eckert her usual, (a venti, nonfat latte) he said, “You know, you guys should organize a marathon.”

Nancy smiled and said, “You’re right. We should.”

And so it was.

This event, while focused on raising awareness of the need for donations of the Five Points of Life, came from a simple mix of endorphins, sweat and caffeine. Stranger things have happened!

And if you run our marathon, just near Mile Marker 2 during the run, you pass our beloved Starbucks, the birthplace of this marathon. Marty and his staff will be outside, cheering until the last competitor passes the store. (And he says you’re welcome to use the Starbucks “facilities” as well.)