May 17, 2004
For immediate release
Contacts:
Public Relations: Lucy Harr
608-877-9133
or 608-279-0444 (mobile)
Race Director: Kristi Kent-Bracken
608-850-4900
Mad City Marathon: A Great Race in a Capital Place Welcomes Runners
from 41 States, Canada, and Thailand
Madison, WI - An anticipated 4,000 runners from as far away as Thailand
will hit the streets of Madison Sunday, May 30, for the 2004 Mad City
Marathon and its related races. The race, in its 9th consecutive running,
begins at the Capital Square with finish line festivities slated for
Olin-Turville Park. Mayor Dave Cieslewicz will be the official marathon
starter, while two-time Olympia medalist Frank Shorter will be on hand to
send off the competitors in the half marathon, 5K and 10K. The Unity Fit
for Life Kid's Run follows with youth 12 and younger running a course
around the square.
"The Mad City Marathon showcases our capital city's beautiful neighborhoods
and enthusiastic spirit, with hundreds of volunteers working the start,
the water stations, and the finish line, as well as thousands of
spectators showing their support, " said Ken Woodford, race chairperson.
"This is an event that reflects the capital city's diversity: We have
first-time marathoners and seasoned veterans, young and young-at-heart,
competitive athletes vying for a win and those just seeking to finish,"
said Kristi Kent-Bracken, race director. Many are raising money for the
MACC Fund, and a portion of the proceeds from the event benefit Harambee,
the South Madison Health and Family Center.
Competitive marathoners are after the Rod DeHaven trophy and round-trip
airfare courtesy of Midwest Airlines. Men will chase the 2:36:29 mark set
by 2003 winner Justin Henkel while the women will try to beat the 3:04:22
time set by 2003 female winner Wendy Licht-Ordway.
The half-marathon is expected to attract the most entrants again this year,
at 1,600 athletes. "It's a popular event, selling out last year, " said
Rita Kelliher, race co-chair.
Race weekend begins with the Health and Fitness Fair at the Monona Terrace,
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 29, at the Monona Terrace Convention
Center. The event, free and open to the public, will feature race packet
pickup, vendors, and two seminars by Frank Shorter. Shorter also will be
the featured speaker at the Pasta Dinner, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Dinner
tickets are $15 and available by calling 608-850-4900.
Sunday's events kick-off with a wheelchair start at 7:25 a.m., marathon and
marathon relay start 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 7:55 a.m. The Capital Brewery Finish Line Festival runs 8 a.m. to
3 p.m. at Olin-Turville Park. Along the way, runners will be greeted by
organized on-course support: Mad City ROCKS. The Capital Times will offer a
special party pack for groups wanting to cheer runners on. To register
contact or call 250-4339 and leave a message.
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.
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