Contact: Chris Lauber
(727) 347-4440
INAUGURAL FLORIDA GULF BEACHES HALFATHON
Ready to Run in December
Madeira Beach, FL --- The Inaugural Florida Gulf Beaches Halfathon was
created for all the same reasons as the Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon: to
promote a healthy, active lifestyle; to showcase our waterfront lifestyle;
and to generate a positive economic impact during a relatively slow period
for tourism.
Scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. in Madeira Beach on December 15, 2002, this
new road race offers a tour of our beachfront residential and commercial
areas, the perfectly smooth Pinellas Trail, and a beautiful lakeside setting
for the finish line in Taylor Park in Largo.
"This race will be successful for all the same reasons the marathon has
grown," said Executive Director Chris Lauber. "Runners and walkers will be
attracted to our flat, fast and scenic course, with ideal weather for long
distance running, and perfect timing for endurance athletes preparing for
Florida’s winter marathons or those seeking a final race before the
holidays."
The 13.1 mile course heads north along Gulf Boulevard to Indian Shores, east
on Park Boulevard to and through Seminole City Park to the Fred Marquis
Pinellas Trail, and north to the lakefront finish line in Taylor Park. The
course will open to vehicular traffic on a 3:30 half-marathon pace (16
minute miles). Slower entrants will need to move to sidewalks and observe
all pedestrian laws. Walkers are welcome and all finishers will earn a
finisher’s medal.
Launching the half marathon will create positive synergy and economies of
scale with the growing Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon, now in its fourth
year, and anticipating more than 2,000 runners in February.
Early registration has gone well, with runners already registered from all
over Florida and 11 other states. Total participation may approach 1,000
entrants. Entry fees are $35 until November 30, $45 after December 1, and
$55 on race weekend. Entrants can receive more information, register
on-line, or download an entry form at the race website at
www.FloridaHalf.com. Or call race headquarters at 727 347-4440.
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