Press Release - A1A Marathon - 1/4/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                         Contact: Elaine Fitzgerald
                                                  (954) 956-8999  office
                                                  (954) 471-6704  cell


       New A1A Marathon through Broward County Set for February 19



WHAT:    

Greater Fort Lauderdale's first major marathon -- the inaugural A1A 
Marathon and half marathon is expected to become a new signature event for 
the coastal area.  

The A1A Marathon is a USA Track & Field (USATF) certified course that will
qualify men and women of various age groups for the Boston Marathon--the
granddaddy of this hugely popular sport.  The course will traverse the
seaside communities of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Pompano
Beach.

WHO:    

Thousands of athletes from throughout South Florida, more than 40 states 
and 12 foreign countries are signed up and preparing for the competition,
produced by Exclusive Sports Marketing of Boca Raton, FL.  The flat
elevation and natural beauty of the course, February's cool temperatures, 
and the Presidents Day holiday weekend are expected to contribute to the 
success of the first-time event.

WHEN / WHERE:    

Saturday, Feb. 18 , 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. ­ Athletes check in to the Broward 
County Convention Center at a free-to-the-public NOVA Southeastern 
University Health and Fitness Expo.

Sunday, Feb. 19, 6:30 a.m.-12 noon ­ RACE DAY ­ A1A Marathon and half 
marathon begin at the 17th Street Causeway by the Broward County Convention 
Center.
    
ADVISORY:    

Parts of State Road A1A and some smaller oceanfront roads from Fort
Lauderdale to Pompano Beach will have partial detours on race day to
accommodate thousands of runners and spectators who will line the race
route.  

ENTERTAINMENT:  

Several bands are scheduled to entertain crowds at key points along the 
way. Locations include Beach Place, the Elbo Room, Birch State Park and the
finish line at South Beach Park in Fort Lauderdale, and at Mulligan¹s in
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

SIGN-UP:    

Athletes, volunteers, and corporate sponsors can sign up to participate by
going to http://www.a1amarathon.com or by calling (561) 241-3801.
Participants who wish to walk instead of run in the marathon are invited to
join the half-marathon.

MORE INFO:  

For more information about the course, rules, event schedules and more,
please visit www.a1amarathon.com.

Note to Editors:  

If you would like to interview/photograph athletes from your community who
are preparing to run in the A1A Marathon, please call Elaine Fitzgerald for
a list of your local participants and some special stories associated with
them.

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