FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leigh Greenfelder
Highland PR
(330) 996-4140
"SURROUND SOUND" TO ABOUND ROAD RUNNER AKRON MARATHON COURSE
AKRON, Ohio (Sept. 25, 2006) – Runners competing in the 4th annual
Road Runner Akron Marathon & Chase Team Relays on Sat., Sept. 30, can
expect to be surrounded by sound throughout most of the 26.2 mile course.
"We have loaded the 'blue line' on the course this year with
various kinds of entertainment including live rock bands, high school
marching bands, church bands, choirs and choral groups and cheerleaders,"
said Jeannine Marks, co-founder of the marathon and chair of the course
entertainment committee. Marks said that she expects music to be flooding
the 26.2 mile course, especially from the front yards of those who live
along the blue line.
The painted blue line on the roads that marks the way for the
marathoners also helps guide spectators to the front line of the action on
race day. "We affectionately call those who gather along the line to enjoy
the festivities and cheer on the runners our 'blue liners,'" said Marks.
"Many residents take part in block parties and sign contests on race day.
They want to be a part of the excitement for such a popular community event
that many of their friends, families and neighbors are running in."
Again this year, thanks to 97.5 WONE, 'music by the yard'
should be heard by runners throughout the entire course resonating from the
front yards of those along the blue line. The radio station, part of the
Rubber City Radio Group, which also includes WAKR and WQMX, is putting
together a list of songs with a running theme and plans to broadcast them
on race day.
"We'll be playing such songs as The Long Run by the Eagles, Running
on Empty by Jackson Browne and Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac on 97.5 WONE,
the home of Rock n' Roll," said T. K. O'Grady, program director of WONE.
"But we need our listeners and all the people watching the marathon along
the blue line to bring out their portable radios and boom boxes, tune them
to 97.5 and crank up the volume so runners will be able to hear the music."
O'Grady said the station's programming will be focused on music to help
give the thousands of runners an additional incentive to keep going and
make it to the finish line.
Many local community groups and residents, including the Salvation
Army youth group, will be contributing inspirational signs that they've
worked throughout the past few weeks to create as motivation for the
runners.
Along with the constant entertainment during the race, runners and
spectators alike will be able to enjoy the festivities, including a
performance by the Wanda Hunt Band from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the
Street Fair on Main Street just outside the finish line in Canal Park. The
Street Fair, featuring food, drinks, music and vendors runs from 9:30 a.m.
until 3:00 p.m.
For more details about the Road Runner Akron Marathon or to register
for the marathon or team relays, visit www.akronmarathon.org or call
(330) 375-2RUN.
###
|
