FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Halfway Mark Reached for Registrations at 2nd Annual
ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Reaches First Registration Milestone
(Jan. 15, 2008, ATLANTA) – With less than 12 weeks to go, the 2008 ING
Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon reached its first registration milestone,
filling 7,500 of the 15,000 available spots to runners, walkers, and
wheelers of the March 30 event. Praised as one of the most picturesque and
popular neighborhood races in the country the marathon and half-marathon
continue to improve the second-year event with incentives for both
participants and spectators.
"We're excited that the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon is the spring
distance running event of choice for so many people – beginners, amateurs
and elites," said Victoria Seahorn, race director of the ING Georgia
Marathon & Half Marathon. "We are committed to creating one of the best
springtime running events in the country, offering something truly
spectacular for every racer, for every volunteer, and for every spectator.
We fully expect to sell out the 15,000 registrations before race weekend."
Sales of the 15,000 spots are progressing similarly to the inaugural 2007
event, which sold out four weeks before the event. Of those registered,
2,000 have signed up for the full 26.2 miles marathon and 5,500 have signed
up for the 13.1 mile half marathon. The 2008 race will offer even more for
racers, including a new start/finish in Centennial Olympic Park, a
staggered start for runners and walkers, and 22 Hydration Stations
featuring water and Gatorade along the course. The 2008 marathon has been
designated the State Marathon Championship Race by the Road Runners Club of
America. "We're glad to see 2,000 runners have already signed up for 26.2
beautiful miles in and around Atlanta," said Ken Bendy, southern director
of RRCA. "We hope having the event as the State Marathon Championship will
encourage a full and competitive field."
The inaugural event received recognition for its size, the course, and the
racer's experience. According to RunningUSA, the sold-out 2007 race was
the second-largest marathon and half-marathon combo of all time, worldwide.
And event officials estimated that the crowds along the course exceeded
expectations, with close to 30,000 cheering spectators along the course.
In addition, the inaugural 2007 event was voted "Best New Event" by Blue
Ridge Outdoors magazine.
New incentives to increase the crowd size along the course include a bigger
Neighborhood Challenge program, a College Challenge competition and a
larger ING Run for Something Better program. A two-day Health and Fitness
Expo will be held March 28-29, 2008 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
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