CR alums organize inaugural Half Marathon in Trenton

TRENTON - Chris Seiler is not one to run from his problems. Instead, the Newtown native and Council Rock High School graduate is running to help solve what he perceives as an image problem for the city of Trenton.

He won’t be alone. Seiler and three of his fellow Council Rock alumni are organizing the Inaugural Trenton Double Cross, Half Marathon, 10K and Kids Run which will traverse the Delaware River between Trenton and Morrisville on Nov. 10.

“Trenton really needs something positive,” Seiler, 38, said. “rsually on a Saturday there’s nobody in Trenton. [On race day] there will be the biggest crowd that Trenton has seen in a long, long time.”

Seiler said the capital city of New Jersey can expect to see at least 2,200 extra people that day. That’s the number of runners currently registered. Seiler has a goal of 3,000 for this year but has much bigger things in mind.

“We’ve already secured the date for next year,” the father of four said. “We want people to think, ‘Race day is coming up.’ Maybe get 5,000 or more runners. We want this to be an event with a race in the middle of it.”

Seiler, who has run several half marathons and one marathon, owns Always Advancing, a Morrisville-based company that designs and supplies medals, awards and apparel for endurance sports. He and business partners Ryan O’Keefe and Kevin Sullivan, along with friend Brian Mills, have been working over the past year to make the marathon happen.

On Nov. 8 and 9, runners will be able to pick up their race packets at the New Jersey State Museum, which will also feature a runner’s expo, with vendors selling running gear and apparel. (Runners can also have their packets mailed to them or pick them up at Waterfront Park’s will call window.FThere is a post-race party planned at a local restaurant and nightclub, Rho, a ticket to which is included in each runner’s packet.

Each runner will be able to raise money for one of nine charities or choose a charity of their own. Seiler has recruited the Haldeman Family of Dealerships to serve as the race’s presenting sponsor.

In addition to the pomp and pre- and postrace circumstance, Seiler said runners will be able to just enjoy the route as they run 13.1 miles (or 10 kilometersF, past local attractions he has jogged past many times.

“My inspiration was running across the bridge, by the river, past the New Jersey State Museum,” Seiler said. “Hopefully it’ll be beautiful [on race day]. A crisp, fall day.”

Runners will take their marks, get set and go from Waterfront Park, continue over the Trenton Makes Bridge, through Morrisville, head back over the Calhoun Street Bridge and finish at Waterfront Park’s home plate. Competitors can park at the Sun National Bank Center and board a shuttle to the starting line.

For more information on the race and charities aligned with the event or to register, visit trentonhalf.com. For alternate fundraising ideas Seiler suggested visiting crowdrise. com.