FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Micheels
Committee Manager
(919) 761-7073
CITY OF OAKS MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON SET FOR NOVEMBER 4
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA (February 12, 2007) - The City of Oaks Race
Committee has announced the inaugural City of Oaks Marathon and Half
Marathon, scheduled for the morning of Sunday, November 4, 2007. The two
events will take place in downtown Raleigh, with the start and finish near
the State Fairgrounds.
The 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile half-marathon will benefit the
American Cancer Society and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Presenting
sponsor Raleigh Running Outfitters established the City of Oaks Race with
the intention of bringing a prestigious running event to the city of
Raleigh, one that would have the potential to draw thousands of runners.
The race will boost tourism in the downtown area and other areas of the
city and contribute in a meaningful way to two cancer-related charities
that are close to the heart of many of the Triangle's runners.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a voluntary health organization
dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services.
It is the cause behind Team in Training, a nationwide sports training
program that enables volunteers to participate in marathons and half
marathons as a way to raise money toward the fight against these forms of
cancer.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary
health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health
problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from
cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.
The race is expected to draw approximately 5,000 runners in its inaugural
year. Both the marathon and half marathon will begin at 7:00 a.m. The
marathon course includes a run on Hillsborough Street to reach downtown
Raleigh, a short loop in the city center that includes a run up
Fayetteville Street, a scenic trek inside Umstead Park, and a hilly return
along Ebenezer Church Road. Race directors designed the challenging course
to showcase some of the city's best features and the diversity of its
landscape. They hope the appeal of the course will attract a multitude of
spectators and runners.
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker expects the race to bring additional interest
and excitement to the city. "Having a full-scale marathon in Raleigh will
be a great addition to the fall racing season," he said.
A combined cash purse of $13,400 will be awarded in the marathon and half
marathon, in addition to commemorative awards and other giveaways. The
event will also feature a pre-race expo presented by running apparel
company BaySix USA, and a pasta dinner hosted by Zely & Ritz, a tapas
restaurant on Glenwood South.
For more information about the race, visit www.cityofoaksmarathon.com.
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