For the fifth year the CSS Neuse Foundation is joining efforts with Ironclad Races, Inc., to promote a half marathon, a 5K race – and Breakfast on the Boat. HalfMarathons.net recently praised the Ironclad Races event with these words:

“The Ironclad Half Marathon is hailed by organizers as the state’s ‘most welcoming half marathon’ thanks to its small-town feel and intimate race size, as just shy of 100 runners crossed the finish line in both events combined last year.”

In 2015 the CSS Neuse II hosted a “Breakfast on the Boat” to support the efforts of Mother Earth Brewing when Mother Earth hosted the first Ironclad Half Marathon. A half marathon is an endurance race that stretches 13.1 miles. In 2016, Ironclad Races, Inc. took over the planning of the Mother Earth Half Marathon and added a 5K run, as well.

In 2018, the Ironclad races and Breakfast on the Boat were postponed due to the unwelcome visit of Hurricane Florence. We are all hoping for smooth sailing this year.

This year’s date is Oct. 19 – this Saturday. At 7:30 a.m. a Civil War period cannon’s boom will signal the start of the half marathon. Fifteen minutes later, the 5K will begin with another cannon blast, courtesy of the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretative Center.

Starting from historic Grainger Stadium, home of the Down East Wood Ducks, runners will head out on a mostly flat and fast course through our city. From the stadium, runners will make their way through downtown Kinston and pass by the CSS Neuse II, our full-scale replica of the original Confederate Ironclad, the CSS Ram Neuse.

Runners will also pass by the Kinston Regional Jetport at the outermost part of the loop route, after which they will begin to head back into town. Once runners make their way all the back into town and to the stadium, the runners will cross the finish line inside Grainger Stadium.

Proceeds generated from the race go back into the local community to benefit local nonprofits and charities.

If you want an up-close view as the runners in both races speed past the gunboat, then join the Galley Crew of the CSS Neuse II for “Breakfast on the Boat.” Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. and continue until 10:30 a.m. Breakfast will include scrambled eggs, bacon, link sausage, grits, biscuits, and a choice of beverages – a country-style breakfast to make Grandma proud.

The Gunboat Boys will be back to perform live music, a lively combination of period Civil War music and bluegrass. Bob Gaddis, Jim Gaddis, Nathan Bingham, Jeff Haddock, and yours truly will be pickin’ and grinnin’ for your entertainment.

After you eat breakfast, enjoy The Gunboat Boys, and watch the races, you can join the celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of Mother Earth Brewery. The party kicks off at 1 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 9 p.m. The Mother Earth website offers this description of the celebration

“We will have the streets of downtown Kinston closed off for an all-day event. We will have live music featuring four different bands with No BS! Brass Band headlining, a variety of food trucks, tours of our facilities, and of course, plenty of beer! We will also be celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Mother Earth Spirits…. You won’t want to miss this FREE event!”

At noon, the live music will begin with Driskill. At 2:30 p.m. The Monterio Experience will take the stage, with Forest Hill to kick off its performance at 5 p.m. No BS! Brass Band will begin its show at 7:30 p.m.

The celebration will culminate with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 19 promises to be chocked full of fun-filled activities.

Just keep in mind that any good day always begins with a wholesome breakfast. I will be looking for you at “Breakfast on the Boat” this Saturday.

 Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com .