Contact: Chris Lauber
(727) 347-4440
FLORIDA GULF BEACHES MARATHON Selected to Host
Winter Reunion Run by 50 States Marathon Club
Clearwater, FL --- The fourth annual Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon,
scheduled for February 16, 2003 in Clearwater, Florida, has been selected by
the 50 States Marathon Club to host its winter reunion run.
The 50 States Marathon Club boasts more than 400 members who share the
common goal of running a marathon in each of the fifty states. Each year,
board members schedule reunion runs across the country, with one usually
held each season.
"The Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon was selected because the race has a
reputation for being well organized and providing great support for the
runners," said Club President Bob Lehew, who ran Gulf Beaches in 2001.
"Each year it has improved and gained in size because of the hard work of
the race director and organizing committee. We look forward to working with
the race organization and making our reunion a big success."
Tom Adair, the club’s secretary from Atlanta, Georgia ran Gulf Beaches last
January. With more than 125 marathons to his credit, Adair’s opinion is
well-respected. He added, "Unquestionably, the Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon
is an outstanding event! This race has the ‘perfect’ blend of beautiful,
sunny weather, a flat and fast course, and a lot of pre-race and post race
support for the runners from the staff. Traveling to Florida in the winter
months for a marathon is wonderful."
Gulf Beaches will be the club’s fifth reunion run and several hundred
members are expected to attend. Previous reunion runs have already been held
in Tulsa, OK; Laramie,WY; and Ocala, FL. The club’s fourth reunion run is
scheduled for November 23, returning to the Oklahoma Marathon in Tulsa.
"We are thrilled to host the winter reunion run for the members of the 50
States Marathon Club," said Chris Lauber, Executive Director of the Florida
Gulf Beaches Marathon. "Their members are a highly accomplished group of
dedicated marathoners. With a total of nearly 29,000 marathons completed by
its members, this is a group that has earned the respect of everyone
involved in the sport. With our flat, fast and scenic course, award-winning
beaches and perfect timing for a winter break, we are confident we will
exceed the expectations of not only the club members, but all runners who
choose to join us."
The 50 States Marathon Club is a non-profit organization which promotes
health and fitness. More than 400
members share the common goal of running a marathon in each of the fifty
states. To join, a runner must have completed a marathon in at least ten
states. Combined, members have completed nearly 29,000 marathons of 26.2
miles each. More information about this unique club can be found at
www.50StatesMarathonClub.com
The Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon is preparing for its fourth annual race.
It has shown tremendous growth, increasing participation from 635 entrants
in its inaugural year to 1,593 entrants in its third year, with runners
coming from 46 states and 16 countries. Race organizers expect to attract
2,000 - 3,000 runners on February 16, 2003. Gulf Beaches is a Boston
Marathon Qualifier on a space available basis. More information on the
Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon can be found at
www.FloridaMarathon.com.
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