FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Burch
Des Moines Marathon
515.288.2692
Des Moines Marathon
Course to Include Drake Stadium
Des Moines, Iowa (FEB 21, 2006) -- The IMT Des Moines Marathon announced
today that it is partnering with Drake University to add the school's
campus and venerable Drake Stadium, home of the Drake Relays, to the course
of the Full Marathon. The route will take athletes into the stadium where
runners will complete one loop around the renovated stadium and track
during the race set for Saturday, Oct. 15.
"We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Drake University," said
Chris Burch, Director of Racing and Events. "It is the vision of the Des
Moines Marathon to attract a larger number of athletes to our event by
offering the premier racing experience in Des Moines. Today is another step
towards making that vision a reality."
"To go around the new Drake Stadium track in a setting rich with traditions
will be a very exciting day for our race, our athletes and greater Des
Moines," Burch said.
Drake is completing a $15-million revitalization of Drake Stadium, which
includes new seating, a new track that meets international standards, press
box renovation, lighting and a new artificial FieldTurf surface large
enough to accommodate Drake's football and men's and women's soccer
programs. The majority of the upgrades will be ready in time for Drake
Relays on April 27 to 29, which will be the 80th year for America's
Athletic Classic to be held inside Drake Stadium.
The revitalized stadium will host Des Moines Roosevelt High School home
football games as well as continue to host the state's boys' and girls'
high school track meets - all part of Drake's continuing commitment to
partner with its neighbors and friends to be a resource for the community
and the state.
"The addition of Drake's campus and Drake Stadium to the Des Moines
Marathon is another extension of our efforts to be an active leader and
partner in the success of this community," said Drake President David
Maxwell, who also runs recreationally for fitness and enjoyment. "We are
pleased to host these athletes on our campus during this great event."
The course for the Marathon and Half Marathon will be altered in 2006 due
to road and bridge construction. Changes to the course suggested by 2005
athletes have also been taken into consideration. Drake Stadium will be
added to the Full Marathon course at approximately mile 9. "We are in the
final stages of the 2006 course design. Our course will continue to evolve
over the coming years, but we are very pleased that we will now be
including Drake University," Burch said.
Race festivities include a two-day Sports and Fitness Expo to be held at
the Polk County Convention Center. The Expo, featuring national vendors and
a Speaker Series, is open to the public on Oct. 13 and 14. Race day will
include the Full and Half Marathon, 5-Person Marathon Relay Challenge, 5K
Road Race and Kids Run. The start and finish line for all events and post
race festivities will take place at Nollen Plaza in downtown Des Moines.
Registration for all events is open online at www.desmoinesmarathon.com.
Please note my contact information has changed.
Chris Burch
Director of Racing and Events
Des Moines Marathon
4801 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
p 515.288.2692
f 515.225.9051
e
w www.desmoinesmarathon.com
5th Annual Des Moines Marathon - October 15, 2006
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