FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2nd Annual Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon
Announced for January 3, 2009
(Jackson, MS) – Plans for the running of the 2nd Annual Mississippi Blues
Marathon and Half-Marathon were announced today, with the race to take
place on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Approximately 1,400 competitors from 41
states, the District of Columbia and three foreign countries came to
Jackson for the inaugural race, which took place on January 5, 2008.
Organizers are planning for 3,000 competitors at the 2009 race. Blue Cross
& Blue Shield of Mississippi is continuing its role as title sponsor for
the race.
"We want to build on the energy and excitement of the inaugural event, and
make the 2009 race bigger and better," said John Sewell, Director of
Corporate Communications for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. "In
only its second year, this race is getting a reputation for its challenging
course, great entertainment and warm Southern hospitality."
The inaugural race drew an elite field of runners from across the country.
The race was won by Alene Reta of New York, New York, in a time of 2:25:01.
The women's winner was Janet Cherobon of Lawrenceville, GA, who completed
the course in a time of 2:48:37. Runners will again compete for a portion
of the total prize money purse of $30,000.
Both the marathon and half-marathon courses are certified by USA Track and
Field. The course for the 2009 race will remain the same as the inaugural
course, beginning and ending in the historic Fondren district, and working
its way through downtown Jackson, Belhaven, Flowood and north Jackson. The
course is certified as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, and 56 of the
competitors in the 2008 race qualified for Boston.
"We're confident that we'll have another strong field of elite runners in
2009, and we certainly hope that we'll see more people from Mississippi
come out and be a part of the race – whether competing, volunteering, or
cheering," Sewell said. "This is a really positive event for the entire
community, in terms of tourism, culture and economic development."
Registration for the race is available online through the event website at
www.msbluesmarathon.com. The 2009 race will be limited to 3,000
competitors.
As in 2008, the 2009 race will also be open to relay teams. And, children
13 and under will have the chance to compete in the Kid's "Marathon," a
one-mile course through Fondren that finishes under the main clock.
To support its focus on the blues, event organizers will again donating a
portion of the proceeds to the Mississippi Blues Commission. A gift of
$10,000 was made to the Commission following the 2008 race.
Additional details regarding the 2009 Mississippi Blues Marathon and
Half-Marathon will be made available at www.msbluesmarathon.com.
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