Join us for the 4th Annual Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon presented by Chesapeake Regional Medical Center Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. The flat 13.1-mile asphalt course will take runners on a spectacular jouney through lush, mysterious landscape and rich history. The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail off Route 17 offers runner forested wetlands and a peaceful paved path along the wilderness of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Returning this year, the Children's Half Mile Cub Run presented by Old Point National Bank. This half mile out-and-back fun run for children ages 12 and under is the perfect compliment to our successful Dismal Swamp Stomp.
All children will have access to the special children's activity area prior to the race and will receive a t-shirt and runner's packet. They will also receive a finisher's medal when they cross the finish line. Parents are welcome to run along side their children. The cub run will start at 11:30 at the carved bear at the trail head and will finish across the half marathon finish line

Sanctioned by USA Track & Field, the out-and-back race begins at 8 am rain or shine. The event is limited to 2,500 runners and applicants will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. All runners/walkers must be able to complete the course in 4 hours or less. This race is open to walkers and baby strollers.

Proceeds from this year's race benefit two great Chesapeake charities; Our House Families and Chesapeake Care a Free Clinic

Our House Families helps prevent homelessness. By providing tangible resources to families in crisis, we help families avoid homelessness, eviction or essenital utility cutoff.

Chesapeake Care provides health care services to employed individuals or individuals with inadequate income who cannot afford health care and who do not qualify for other assistance programs or have health insurance.

 

Cash awards will be provided to the top 5 male and female athletes based on AGE GRADED results. Follow this link for an age grading explanation.
Prize money breakdown for top five male and female age graded athletes will be:
1st $1,000, 2nd $550, 3rd $250, 4th $125, 5th $75
Non Monetary Awards will be given to: the top five overall male and female; the top three overall masters male and female; the top three local male and female; the back of the pack male and female; and the top three overall male and female runners in each age group: 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and over. Top three male and female walkers are also awarded. Each registered participant will receive a finisher's medal when they cross the finish line.

We're proud to announce that we have partnered with the new Hyatt Place hotel in Greenbriar as our host hotel. Hyatt Place is a Virginia Green hotel that offers the best in modern hotel accomodations. View hotel fact sheet here.

Dismal Swamp Stomp 2010 - Early Bird Rate Ends 3/31/10!! The Hyatt Place Chesapeake/Greenbrier Is Pleased To Offer A Special Early Bird Rate Of $107.00 Per Night, Per Room For Your Event.

Visiting Guests Should Make Reservations Prior To The Release Date Which Is 3/31/2010 To Ensure Availability Of Rate. After The Release Date, this rate will no longer be available. Rates are subject to applicable taxes, which are currently 13% + $1.00 per room, per night, and subject to change without notice.

Reservations can be made one of three ways:

1. Call Toll-Free: 888 Hyatt Hp (1-888-492-8847). Please Have Your Guests Request Dismal Swamp Stomp 2010 - Special Room Rate.

2. Direct group link: Dismal Swamp Stomp Reservation

3. Booking on the web at Hyatt and using the special code: G-DSSR in the box labeled Group/Corporate #

All reservations must be guaranteed with an acceptable form of payment. There is a “3-Day Prior To Your Arrival” cancellation policy for all reservations made. Check-in time is 3pm. Guests may be checked-in earlier depending on occupancy levels and availability of ready rooms. Check out time is 12noon.

 

Tell us what motivates you to train for and complete the 2010 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon by e-mailing us here. We love to hear great inspirational stories, and we love to share them!

This Year's Winning Story!

WHAT MOTIVATED ME TO TRAIN FOR THE DISMAL SWAMP STOMP 1/2 MARATHON
By Jennifer May
My journey to reach the Dismal Swamp Stomp 1/2 Marathon is more complex than most and started in June 2001 after a car accident where I was rear-ended while stopped at a stop light. After the accident, I began experiencing blinding pain, passing out randomly and other neurological symptoms. A year after the accident I underwent an MRI and it was discovered I had a malformation of the brain, triggered by the accident, called Arnold Chiari Malformation (ACM I). In ACM I the brain stem goes into the spinal column blocking the free flow of spinal fluid. In 2003, I underwent brain surgery (decompression of the foramen magnum) at John Hopkins University. During the brain surgery a titanium plate was place to replace where the neurosurgeon removed a piece of my skull. To date, the titanium plate causes me a significant amount of daily pain I have to manage through medication and the release of exercise.
After my decompression brain surgery, I was told by various doctors certain activities I could "never" engage in again including "jarring" exercise such as running and biking. I resigned myself to the fact that I would never again live an active lifestyle to which I was accustomed and enjoyed.
My brain surgery triggered several other chronic illnesses including hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia to name a few. By 2009, I was more than 75 lbs over my "ideal" weight, lethargic, depressed and unmotivated. April 2009, an extremely close friend Matt, re-entered my life and motivated me to start swimming, changing my eating habits and taking better care of myself. Matt challenged me to re-examine my life and question my doctors as to the rationale behind why I could not engage in certain physical activities.
Upon receiving the "blessing" (hesitant) of my neurologist and neurosurgeon, in May 2009, Matt became my coach. Together we began to re-train my body with the ultimate goal of participating in my first ever triathlon in October 2009, thinking that it was my ultimate goal (little did I know God had larger plans for me).
My son Kol is a year-round swim team member, so I began swimming every morning and several afternoons during his swim team practice. A huge motivating factor as well, my son became an integral part of my support "team" during my training. During Kol's 8 short years of life, all he had knew was a mother who was sick. I desperately wanted to change his impression of me and show him that with hard work and dedication, anything was possible. A side goal of mine was to make my son aware of how his mother used to live life: active, engaged and motivated to achieve her dreams and goals. Little did I know, my training eventually motivated my son to become interested in running and engage in training, guided by Matt, and eventually run his first 1 mile race in September 2009. Today, Kol has participated in more then 10 races and enjoys training and racing.
In June 2009, Matt added heart-rate training while walking/running to my daily swimming. By mid-August I purchased my first road bike and began seriously training for my October triathlon. September 2009, I completed my first ever 5k since running track in high school. After completing my triathlon in October 2009 in under 2 hours, my mind began considering what other barriers I could break and what I could do with my new found freedom.
By November 2009, I had lost more than 60 lbs and participated in my first 10k. During the 10k, I jogged next to a person who walked the 10k because she needed someone to motivate her to reach the start line and achieve her goal of finishing and I felt a strong calling to be her support and motivation. After experiencing my friend's joy over her accomplishment of completing the 10k, I made the decision to begin training for a 1/2 marathon.
By January of 2010, I was exclusively training for the Dismal Swamp Stomp and had lost 100 lbs. February 2010, I was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer. Although devastated, I made a conscious decision to continue training for the Dismal Swamp Stomp 1/2 marathon with my doctor's and "somewhat concerned" coach's blessing. After the cancerous polyps were removed, I began chemotherapy in late February and completed my first 8k in March 2010.
Although the chemotherapy has presented challenges to my training and my health in general, far more than I could have anticipated, I have adjusted for it's effects and continue to actively train. In less than a week I will be engaging in a race I did not dream possible less than a year ago. I realize I will never be the fastest runner or triathlete but I have received so much more from this journey-I got my life back, rediscovered myself, dramatically improved my quality of life and health. I've set an example for my son I've always wanted to and showed us both that with hard work, goals and determination (and a coach willing to take on a challenging client-thanks Matt) anything is possible.
With God's help and my stubborn determination, I will make it to the starting line on April 17th at 8 am and if it's His plan, I will complete my first ever 1/2 marathon. Despite all the obstacles placed in my path along this journey, I am CONFIDENT my coach Matt will be cheering me on as he watches me cross the finish line! Thank you for holding the Dismal Swamp Stomp 1/2 marathon and providing a location and race where I can achieve what I suspect will not be my last goal in my journey!