FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thirty Days to ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon,
Race Approaches Sell-Out
Less Than 3,000 Spots Remain for Third Annual Road Race
ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2009 – With thirty days until the third annual ING
Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, less than 3,000 spots remain as the race
quickly approaches another sell-out field of 15,000. To date more than
nearly 12,000 people have signed up to take on the 26.2-mile marathon or
the 13.1-mile half marathon on Sunday, March 29. Online registration is
available at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com. Registration will close upon
sell-out and the field will not be expanded beyond the 15,000 limit.
"Our primary goal is the safety of the runners and a field of 15,000 allows
us to create a safe, fun and memorable experience for the racers and for
spectators and volunteers," said Michael Hughes, race director ING Georgia
Marathon & Half Marathon. "Our size allows us to provide a springtime
distance running experience unlike any other. With the beautiful course,
the volunteers, the spectators, even the weather and the springtime blooms,
you get a morning unlike any other in the country."
The urban marathon racecourse starts and finishes at Centennial Olympic
Park in downtown Atlanta and in-between takes runners through the most
interesting areas and historic neighborhoods of Atlanta and the city of
Decatur. Adding to its popularity, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
boasts an almost unheard-of completion rate of more than 98 percent, which
reflects the determination of the runners as well as the course experience
itself.
One of the most beautiful marathons in the country, the race has received
numerous accolades from organizations and runners alike. Adding to the
demand this year, the ING Georgia Marathon was selected by RRCA as the
Southern Region Marathon Championship. The designation casts a spotlight on
outstanding road races across the country and awards top runners in three
categories. It's the second time in as many years that RRCA has rewarded
the event. In 2008 the ING Georgia Marathon was awarded the designation of
State Marathon Championship by RRCA. The 2007 inaugural marathon and half
marathon earned its way to the record books: according to Running USA, the
2007 race was the second largest inaugural combo running event of all time.
It was also voted "Best New Event" by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.
"We've created the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon for the new and
experienced runner," added Hughes. "From the hydration stations starting at
Mile 2 and throughout the course, to the entertainment, to the cheering
zones, it's all designed to help every walker, jogger, runner or wheeler
enjoy the experience and of course, get across the finish line." To get to
the start on Sunday, March 29, runners must register at
www.inggeorgiamarathon.com before the race fills its field.
About the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
The 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, to be held on Sunday, March
29, is Georgia's picturesque, springtime, neighborhood–based distance combo
event. Beginning at Centennial Olympic Park, it will travel through 26.2
miles (and 13.1 miles for the half marathon) of Metro Atlanta area's most
interesting and historic areas including the Sweet Auburn District, Inman
Park, Midtown, Downtown and the city of Decatur. Along the way it will pass
landmarks including the King Center, and Carter Center, before returning to
Centennial Olympic Park for the finish. A limit of 15,000 registrations
will be accepted for the 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. The
event is managed by US Road Sports of Georgia and owned by its parent
company, US Road Sports & Entertainment Group. More information is
available at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com.
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