FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leigh Greenfelder
Highland PR
(330) 996-4140
AKRON MARATHON ON PACE TO SHATTER REGISTRATION RECORD
Runners must register by August 15 to receive personalized runner's bibs
AKRON, Ohio (Aug 11, 2006) – The Road Runner Akron Marathon is seeing a
continuing record increase in registered runners who will fill the streets
of Akron on Saturday, Sept. 30 for the fourth annual 26.2 mile race.
Overall participation in the Road Runner Akron Marathon is currently up 90
percent, with 859 registered participants in 2006 compared to 453 on August
6, 2005. The Road Runner Akron Marathon, which also offers 2-person and
5-person Chase® Team Relays, drew nearly 5,000 total participants in 2005
in the marathon, 2-person relay and 5-person relay events, the highest
number in its three-year history. As of August 6, the 2-person relay held
a 108 percent increase in the number of registered participants over the
same time in 2005. The 5-person relay had an 84 percent increase and the
full marathon boasts a 91 percent increase.
"Our focus and dedication to the local and amateur runners seems to be
sparking the interest of the public," said Jim Barnett, executive race
director. "Our partnership with Etonic to offer a free pair of shoes to
all marathon finishers has enticed many runners to participate. Not to
mention the many other free gifts and runner benefits that Akron provides
to its runners. People love the post-race party and massages, free hats
and shirts, and the overall organization of the race."
Runners must register before August 15 to have their name printed on their
bib for race day. The personalized bibs have been a popular race-day
feature offered by the Akron Marathon. Spectators that set up along the
blue line the morning of the race are able to cheer runners on by name
because of the personalized bibs. The visibility of the runners’ names
also helps relay runners find their teammates easier, and family members
and friends can locate runners with more ease.
Registration deadlines for this year’s race are midnight Wednesday, Sept.
27 online, and between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at the official
marathon Expo, held at the University of Akron’s new Athletics Field House.
Discount registrations are available online and by mail if postmarked
before Sept. 19.
The marathon is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a
nonprofit group that is dedicated to promoting health and fitness.
Additional information on the Road Runner Akron Marathon and Chase® Team
Relays is available at www.akronmarathon.org or by calling (330) 375-2786
(2RUN).
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