The Breakers Resort caters to visitors who are looking for a wonderful place on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront to relax. But once each winter The Breakers also welcomes folks who are on the go – for 26.2 miles, in fact.
The Breakers will serve as a host hotel for the 18th Annual MyrtleBeach.com on Feb. 14, giving hundreds of runners a comfortable place to rest their heads – and legs – after completing the long course that winds through the streets of Myrtle Beach. Not only will special Myrtle Beach Marathon functions be held at the resort, but guests can look forward to resting and recovering in their cozy room, on their oceanfront balcony or in the hot tub after crossing the finish line.
Guests can choose from 535 units, from standard resort-view to ocean-view suites. All rooms are non-smoking and the resort is located in the heart of the downtown district and only 1 mile from the start/finish line at Myrtle Beach Pelicans Ballpark. A free shuttle service will be available to transport participants to and from the finish line before and after the race.
The Breakers also goes the extra mile to make sure runners and their guests have an enjoyable stay. Friday night before the race, a high-carb dinner of pasta dishes and more will be served, and the on-site Papa’s Restaurant will be open early Saturday morning to offer runners fruit and other healthy options to fuel up their bodies to go the distance.
During the race’s stretch down Ocean Boulevard, participants will run past The Breakers to cheering fans and race organizers who offer cups of water and words of encouragement from the sidewalks. After the race, runners and guests will celebrate at the Red Parrot bar to share a few drinks and swap a few stories from their 26.2-mile adventure. Guests can also spoil themselves with a quick trip to Ben & Jerry’s, Starbuck’s or Jaybo’s Pizza without leaving the resort property.
As a participating sponsor of the Myrtle Beach Marathon since its inception in 1998, The Breakers has been host to thousands of runners and their families over the years, and many have struck up friendships that are renewed each year. The Myrtle Beach Marathon has grown in numbers over the years to its current capacity of 5,000 runners, and several national publications and run-related web sites have ranked it among the best marathons of the winter season, in part due to the Grand Strand’s mild climate and warm hospitality.
In addition to attracting large crowds to the Grand Strand during the offseason, which provides a big boost to the local economy during the slower winter months, the Myrtle Beach Marathon also raises funds for several local charities, including the American Leukemia Society. Over the years, the race has raised more than $3 million for local charities, including the South Carolina chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Horry County Schools.
The Myrtle Beach Marathon also promotes exercise and fitness by making the event both fun and healthy. Most of all, the Myrtle Beach Marathon gives individuals the opportunity to take on a rewarding challenge that can change lives. The confidence gained by setting a goal and reaching it, along with the camaraderie the runners experience by cheering one another on, provides a healthy outlet for those looking to get in shape and have a good time doing it.
For those not ready to tackle the full 26.2-mile distance, the Myrtle Beach Marathon has added a pair of companion events to give non-marathoners an outlet and a chance to participate. The Dasani Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon is 13.1 miles in length, and the Family Fun Run is a 1-mile trek around Broadway at the Beach on Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning, runners, walkers and wheel-chair racers take the starting gun and make their way around the course before returning to a post-race party at the ballpark and taking a relaxing break at The Breakers.
(Posted: 1/12/15)
