Press Release - The Pittsburgh Marathon - 2/25/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

        Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Offers Pacers,
  Cash Incentives for "A" Olympic Trial Qualifiers at May 15, 2011 Race

February 25, 2011 – The Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon announces 
special incentives to encourage Olympic hopefuls to race with them on May 
15, 2011. Awards will be made to the top three Americans who garner their 
first "A" qualifying time to compete in the 2012 Olympic Trials in Houston. 
Race organizers will provide a 2:39 pacer for the women, and a "rabbit" to 
pace men through Mile 18 at a 2:19 pace. Incentives offered for each gender 
include $2250 in cash and prizes for the top "A" Olympic Trials qualifying 
time, and $1750 in cash and prizes for the second and third Olympic Trials 
qualifying times. Athletes who post an "A" qualifying time will be 
reimbursed for their hotel and transportation, as well. These incentives 
will be offered in addition to eligibility for the overall race prize 
purse.

According to race director Patrice Matamoros, "Part of the Dick's Sporting 
Goods Pittsburgh Marathon mission is to promote the sport of long distance 
running. In an Olympic-qualifying year, we feel that offering a combination 
of pacers and cash incentives to help athletes offset their training costs 
and achieve their dreams was the most effective way for us to demonstrate 
our commitment."

To be eligible for the cash, prize and transportation package, athletes 
must register in advance for the Olympic Trials Qualifying Incentive 
Program, and have official race times which demonstrate that they have the 
potential to qualify. Runners should call Kelsey Jackson of the Dick's 
Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon for further details, at 412-586-7785. 
More details for athletes and coaches can be found online at 
www.pittsburghmarathon.com, under Race Participants.

Olympic Trial Incentive Program Race Benefits: 
-Pre-race technical meeting on Saturday 
-Ability to place your own water bottle and beverages on course 
-Pacing assistance: a 2:19 pace "rabbit" for men through Mile 18, and a 2:39 
-pacer for women 
-Friday night Red Carpet VIP Party 
-Saturday night Pasta Party dinner

Prizes and Incentives:
Prizes for the top three finishers for each gender from the program with an 
"A" Olympic Trial qualifying time in the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh 
Marathon receive:

1 st Place: $1500 cash, $500 Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate and 
$250 GNC gift certificate

2nd Place: $1000 cash, $500 Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate and $250 
GNC gift certificate

3rd Place: $1000 cash, $500 Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate and $250 
GNC gift certificate

All runners posting their first "A" Olympic Trial-qualifying time will 
receive reimbursement for travel and hotel. All program participants are 
eligible for overall race prize purse.

About the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
The Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is a non-profit organization 
that promotes the love of long-distance running and enhances community 
involvement in fitness activities through high quality events for a wide 
variety of ages and abilities.

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