FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OC Marathon Ramps Up For 2011; Overall Entries Up 50 Percent While
"Kids Run The Oc Program"On Pace For 50-Plus Schools And 3000 Kids
Event Generates More $20.78 Million in
Positive Economic Impact for Orange County
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Entries for the 2011 OC Marathon, one of the
premier "destination" races in Southern California, are 50 percent ahead of
last year while the innovative "Kids Run the OC" program is on pace for a
record number of schools (55) and kids (3000). The OC Marathon, held on
Sunday, May 1, is considered as one of the best full and half marathon
courses in the state due to its diverse terrain, changing vistas and a
spectacular jog through the Upper Newport Bay Estuary. Detailed
information is available at www.ocmarathon.com.
While the vast majority of marathons are held within one city's limits, the
OC Marathon traverses Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine and Santa Ana and
boasts a blend of chic coastal scenery, tranquil nature and sophisticated
arts and shopping. Some 75 percent of participants site the ability to run
through the picturesque Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach, home to myriad
flora and fauna as a race perquisite. Additionally, the OC Marathon is
USATF certified and can be used as a qualifier for any marathon in the U.S.
including Boston, further adding to its allure.
The OC Marathon has steadily evolved into a significant revenue machine for
the region, generating $20.78 million in positive economic impact for
Orange County in 2010 according to a new independent analysis conducted by
Forward Analytics, Inc., including $5.62 million in direct financial
benefit. The marathon also generated an estimated $735,103 in tax revenues
for local and state governments and raised more than $250,000 in direct
support of 25 local charities; the total raised and donated since 2004 is
more than $2 million.
"During the past six years, we've watched the OC Marathon develop into one
of the best races in the region and we are confident it will soon be among
the premier marathon events in the United States," said Newport Beach Mayor
Keith Curry.
Perhaps the OC Marathon's greatest impact and legacy is with kids, with a
mission to create and implement obesity prevention programs promoting
better fitness and nutrition habits among children. The "Kids Run the OC"
training program was designed to help pre-adolescent kids become more
physically fit, promote an active and healthy lifestyle and combat the
onset of childhood obesity...while having fun!
Students from each participating school are led through a popular training
program at their school by teachers and/or volunteers that have received
training by the OC Marathon. By the end of the program each student will
have accumulated the equivalent of 25.2 miles of fun activity, and will be
ready to finish their own marathon by completing their final mile at the
Kids Run the OC held in conjunction with the OC Marathon on Saturday, April
30, 2011 at the OC Fair and Event Center.
"At a time when physical education class time is being limited in our
schools, the Kids Run the OC training program is vital to the health and
academic performance of thousands of Orange County children," said OC
Marathon Race Director Gary Kutscher. "The OC Marathon Foundation
supported 40 schools and 2,000 children in 2010 and we anticipate that
number will grow to 55 schools and 3,000 kids in 2011."
The Seventh Annual OC Marathon is held on Sunday, May 1, 2011. More than
15,000 runners will participate in the marathon, half marathon, Wahoo's 5K
and Kids Run the OC. An estimated 25,000 spectators line the course and
the start/finish line located at OC Fair Event Center, while an additional
30,000 are anticipated to the two-day Health, Fitness and Nutrition Expo
which showcases national brands and state of the art footwear and training
technology. Detailed information is available at www.ocmarathon.com.
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