Press Release - Austin Marathon - 1/20/09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                 Austin Marathon Unveils 2009 Course
       Popular loop course remains; small changes accommodate 
                  neighborhoods, changing cityscape

AUSTIN, Texas - (January 20, 2009) - After incorporating input from race 
participants and the city's residents, the 2009 Austin Marathon and Half 
Marathon course is official. Race organizers focused on maintaining the 
integrity of the course by keeping the race in the central city and giving 
runners a tour of Austin's most scenic neighborhoods, while easing 
community concerns about major traffic roadblocks. This year's event is 
Sunday, February 15. 

Changes to last year's course are as follows: 
* Start Line moved from 200 Block of Congress Avenue to Congress Avenue 
Bridge
* Finish Line moved to 900 Block of Congress Avenue 
* Krebs Lane and Ft. McGruder Lane used for southern turnaround instead of 
Lightsey Road
* Runners cross from Jackson Avenue to Bull Creek Road at 39th Street 
instead of 41st Street
* Duval Street used instead of Red River Street between miles 22 and 24
* University of Texas campus removed from route

"This year's improvements assure the race is enjoyable and exciting for 
both participants and the Austin community," said Race Director John 
Conley. "We concentrate on providing the challenging and unique course that 
runners expect when they choose to run this marathon."

The 2009 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon registration continues to follow 
the growth trends of the past several years. Registration for both races is 
up more than 12 percent compared to numbers from the record-setting, 
sold-out 2008 race. For more race information, go to: AustinMarathon.com

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