FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
It Is the 7th Wonder of the Marathon World
Little Rock Marathon Unveils Unique 2009 Marathon Finisher's Medal
(Little Rock, February 12, 2009) – Little Rock Marathon race officials
unveiled the 2009 version of the world's largest marathon finisher's medal
during a press conference today.
The Little Rock Marathon is presented by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and
will be held March 13 – 15 in downtown Little Rock.
"For five year running we have been recognized as having the world's
largest marathon finisher's medal and for our seventh year, we decided step
outside the box again with something completely different," Gina Marchese
Pharis, Co-Executive Director of the Little Rock Marathon.
"Anyone can give a big medal, that is the easy part," she said, "but we
wanted to add drama to this year's awards."
"We make so much fuss over our finisher's medal because most of us
(marathoner finishers) are not doing the race to win it," Pharis said. "We
are doing the race to finish. It is a big accomplishment and we think you
should get a medal that represents what you just accomplished."
"Our race is known for coming up with something fun and different each
year," Pharis said. "Athletes come from around the world to take our medal
home. Only a few take home money and when it is all said and done the one
thing so many cherish is that medal. They run for the hardware and every
finisher takes home hardware."
The 2009 Little Rock Marathon finisher's medal is black zinc alloy and is 7
1/4 inches long and 6 1/4 inches wide. The medal features the 2009 circus
theme and weighs in at a pound and a half. The medal features the race's
signature globe, race director's kiss and the "race for every pace" motto.
According to Jon Scott of Maxwell Medals & Awards of Traverse City, MI, the
average finisher's medal is 2.5 inches and weighs approximately 3 ounces.
Maxwell Medals & Awards produces the Little Rock Marathon finisher medals,
as well as medals for major races including the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon and Race for the Cure.
The half marathon finisher's medal also features the 2009 race theme and is
half the length of the marathon medal. According to Pharis, it is "half the
distance (13.1 miles), so it is half the size" of the marathon medal. It is
3 5/8 long by 3 inches wide.
Race day is Sunday, March 15. In addition to the marathon (26.2 miles),
there is a half marathon (13.1 miles) race, presented by Baptist Health; a
4 person relay marathon (26.2 miles divided into four segments) race,
presented by Alltel Wireless; a 5K (3.1 miles) un run/walk, presented by
Windstream Communications and the Classic Rockers Marathon (for individuals
55+ who complete 26.2 miles over an extended time frame).
The Little Rockers Kids Marathon (26.2 miles completed over an extended
time frame), presented by Arkansas Children's Hospital and Today's THV, for
children 7 to 12 is Saturday, March 14 at 11 am.
Participants in all events can run, walk or do a combination of running and
walking in any of the events.
Prior to race day, there is a free two-day health and fitness expo,
presented by Arvest Bank, on March 13 and 14 at the Statehouse Convention
Center in downtown Little Rock.
Race officials also announced highlights of the 2009 event, which include a
new start time for the 5K Fun Run and start corrals for the general field.
The 5K fun run will begin at 7:15 am.
Online registration and mail in registration for the Little Rock Marathon
and companion races will close March 2 at midnight CST and will re-open
March 13-14 if maximum registration limits have not been reached.
For information, visit www.littlerockmarathon.com or call 501-371-4770.
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