FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: C. Zane Hagy
865-384-8564
Marketing@KnoxvilleMarathon.com
www.knoxvillemarathon.com
Inaugural Knoxville Marathon Set for March 20, 2005
The Knoxville Marathon Organization, in conjunction with the Knoxville
Track Club, the City of Knoxville, and the University of Tennessee, will
host the inaugural Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 20th, 2005. This
multi-faceted weekend will include a pre-race EXPO and multiple racing
opportunities: a full marathon, a half marathon, a 5k, and
a kids run.
"This is a fun event for Knoxville that will draw runners from across the
country," said Mayor Bill Haslam. "Organizers are working hard to make this
a memorable event for participants and those who cheer them on through
courses that showcase the diversity and beauty of our area. The city is
pleased to partner with the Knoxville Marathon Organization to ensure a fun
and safe race."
The full marathon will be a 26.2 mile run, starting at World's Fair Park
and ending at UT's Neyland stadium. The course will highlight several
portions of Knoxville. All race finishers will be featured on the
JumboTron, a massive 51 feet high by 132 feet wide LED outdoor video board.
"The Greater Knoxville area is blessed with a large base of runners and one
of the largest track (running) clubs in the nation. In this area, we have a
chance to do a race almost every weekend throughout the year which is far
more than most communities. Our expanding greenway system, mountain trails,
and the cooperation of the City in making road racing available is truly
unique. This is the place and time for a Marathon." - Carl Sexton,
Knoxville Track Club board president.
Although the larger cities such as Atlanta, Cincinnati and Nashville
already have marathons that receive national attention, several smaller
towns around the Southeast also host races.
"I've run marathons in several cities including Nashville, Birmingham, and
Kiawah Island, South Carolina. All of those races were a lot of fun - but
having an event like this in Knoxville will be very exciting. I'm looking
forward to Knoxville hosting some of the best runners in the country." -
C. Zane Hagy
A total of $250,000 in a combination of entrance fees and sponsorships must
be raised to cover the expenses of the race. Sponsorship and marketing
information is available by email at Marketing@KnoxvilleMarathon.com or on
the web at www.knoxvillemarathon.com.
"For the city it will bring in revenues from out of town folks and from
many local runners who normally travel to run marathons. It will also give
our city some good exposure and will be a major asset to the City and the
University." - Eddie Raymond, owner, The Health Shoppe.
In order to become a sponsor, a minimum amount of cash will be required to
qualify for each level of sponsorship. This can be combined with product or
service over and above the minimum cash requirement to reach the medal
level.
- Membership in the Director's Club, Contributor, or Friends of the
Marathon levels may be attained with cash or a combination of cash and
in-kind contributions.
- Through sponsorship, you can take advantage of a significant charitable
opportunity.
- Sponsorship utilizes your advertising and promotional dollars to their
fullest potential.
- Sponsorship strengthens your corporate leadership image.
- Sponsorship can help capture a truly dedicated and targeted market.
- Sponsorship affords involvement with a regional health-oriented event.
How to Register:
Register online or download the registration form to mail in at
www.knoxvillemarathon.com.
Registration deadlines:
Regular registration deadline is January 1, 2005.
Late registration is January 2, 2005 through March 5, 2005
Very late registration at the EXPO will be Saturday, March 19 from 10:00
a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
There will be no day-of-race registration for the marathon.
Registration costs:
Full Marathon: Early $45, Late $55, Very Late $65.
Half Marathon: Early $35, Late $45, Very Late $55.
Relay Team (4 person team): Early $30/person, Late $35/person, Very Late
$45/person.
(Note: Team Name along with individual names need to be reflected on each
team entry.)
5K run/walk: Early $25, Late $30, Very Late $35.
Kids 1.2 mile run: $8 Early, $10 Late, Very Late $12.
EXPO PASTA DINNER (OPTIONAL): $15
###
|
