For immediate release
Contact: Keith Peterson ext. 23
Angela Dupont ext. 10
608-276-9797
IT'S A FIRST FOR MAD CITY MARATHON:
THE FINISH LINE IS RELOCATED TO ALLIANT ENERGY CENTER AND BRAT FEST
Madison, WI - An anticipated 4,000+ runners from as far as the Ukraine will
traverse the streets of Madison and surrounding communities on Sunday, May
29, for the 2005 Mad City Marathon. The starting line for all races will
begin at the Capitol Square in beautiful downtown Madison, Wisconsin.
New this year, the finish line has been moved to Willow Island on the
grounds of the Alliant Energy Center! In previous years, the race has ended
at Olin-Turville Park on John Nolen Drive. However, Brat Fest, the world's
largest Brat Festival, (visit www.BratFest.com for more information)
recently announced its move to Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center
during the same weekend. We decided to join in on the fun by combining our
finish line festival with theirs. The Marathon Finish Line will be
positioned adjacent to the festivities of this beloved Madison event.
"We saw the opportunity to create a synergy between the two events," said
Keith Peterson, Event Manager for the Mad City Marathon. Peterson continued
by saying, "Tim Metcalfe and his staff have created a wonderful event that
draws thousands and supports local charities. Those attending Brat Fest can
cheer the runners as they cross the finish line and our 4,000 runners have
an opportunity to have some fun following the race.
"The Mad City Marathon showcases our capitol city's beautiful neighborhoods
and enthusiastic spirit, with hundreds of volunteers working the start,
water stations, and finish line, as well as thousands of spectators showing
their support," said Ken Woodford, race co-chairperson.
Speaking of volunteers, The Mad City Marathon would not happen if it were
not for all of the wonderful volunteers who give their time on race
weekend. Event organizers are seeking volunteers to assist as course
marshals, bike escorts, registration staff, and finish line staff. To
volunteer visit www.madcitymarathon.com or email an inquiry to
Heather McKinney, Volunteer Coordinator, at .
Competitive marathoners are after the Rod DeHaven trophy and round-trip
airfare courtesy of Midwest Airlines. Men will chase the 2:33:58 mark set
by 2003 and 2004 winner Justin Henkel while the women will try to beat the
2:52:04 time set by 2004 female winner Becca Ward.
Race weekend begins with the Health and Fitness Fair at the Exhibit Hall at
the Alliant Energy Center, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 28. The
event, free and open to the public, will feature a variety of
running-related vendors and training and wellness seminars. The day will
conclude with a Pasta Dinner featuring former UW Women's Track & Field
Coach Peter Tegen. The dinner is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and tickets are
available for $15 by calling 608.276.9797 x10.
Sunday's events kickoff with a wheelchair start at 7:25 a.m., the Mosaic
Fund marathon and marathon relays at 7:30 a.m., followed by the
half-marathon at 7:38 a.m., the Town Bank 5k/10k at 7:45 a.m., and the
Unity Fit for Life Kids' Race at 8:00 a.m.
USA Track and Field Rules will be enforced, with no dogs or strollers
allowed on the course. The marathon and half marathon courses are USATF
certified.
For more information, visit www.madcitymarathon.com.
###
|
