FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scott Schricker
(804) 285-9495
SunTrust Richmond Marathon breaks entry record
Mark broken for 6th consecutive year
RICHMOND, VA - The SunTrust Richmond Marathon today set a new record for
the most entries in its 27-year history. As of midday, over 3,600 runners
had registered for the marathon, breaking last year's record total of
3,595. With two and a half weeks left to register, a total field of over
4,000 is expected by race day on Saturday, November 13. This is the sixth
consecutive year that the marathon has set a new entry record. The
marathon's companion race, the NTELOS 8k, is on pace to match last year's
record field of just over 4,000 participants.
The SunTrust Richmond Marathon will be held on Saturday, November 13
beginning at 8 a.m. at 7th and Broad Streets in downtown Richmond. The
NTELOS 8k will follow at 8:45 a.m at 9th and Broad Streets. The Richmond
Times-Dispatch Kids Run, with an expected field of over 500, will begin at
9th & Main Streets at 8:15 a.m.
Online entries for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, NTELOS 8k and Richmond
Times-Dispatch Kids Run will be accepted at www.richmondmarathon.com up
until Thursday night, Nov. 11. After that, people can sign up in person at
the Race Expo at the Omni Richmond Hotel on Friday, November 12 from 11
a.m. until 9 p.m. There is no Race Day registration.
New Kids Run course in 2004. The Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run
will feature a new, longer course in 2004. The 1-mile run starts at 9th &
Main Streets, heads west to 2nd Street, south to Cary Street and then east
to the finish line that it shares with the marathon and 8k at 10th & Cary
Streets. The event is open to kids ages 6 through 12 and registration is
available at www.richmondmarathon.com for $15. Many participants will be
using the race to complete the final leg of their 26-mile "Kids Marathon"
as part of the Sports Backers' Fit For Life running program. The
program, which was launched in September and boasts over 3,700
participants, is offered through local schools and community organizations
and strives to introduce elementary and middle school-aged participants to
the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Media credential requests due by November 5. Media wishing to enter
the finish line area to cover the event on November 13 must complete the
attached Credential Request form and fax it back by Friday, November 5. On
site security will prohibit any media not wearing a credential from
entering the finish line area.
Party locations cater to spectators. Friends or relatives wanting
to spectate along the course will want to visit one of the special
SunTrust/NBC 12 Party Zones. Each location will feature music,
refreshments and an on-air personality. These Party Zones will serve as a
hub for spectators to show their support and enthusiasm. Party Zones will
be located at:
1. Starbucks at River Road Shopping Center Party (Mile 7)
2. CVS on Forest Hill Avenue (Mile 13)
3. Buzz & Ned's BBQ on The Boulevard (Mile 19.5)
Detailed driving directions between Party Zones, aimed at avoiding road
closures and traffic backups are available on the race website.
Richmondmarathon.com provides updated news. The best place for
runners and the media to get updated news about the SunTrust Richmond
Marathon, including traffic information and race day parking, is at
www.richmondmarathon.com.
2004 SunTrust Richmond Marathon & NTELOS 8k Schedule
Friday, November 12
11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Health & Fitness Expo, Packet pick-up and walk-up
registration at The Omni Hotel
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Bus tours of marathon course
4:30 p.m. "How to Run Your Best Marathon" seminar with Bart Yasso of
Runner's World at Expo
6 - 8 p.m. Pasta Dinner at the Omni Hotel
Saturday, November 13
6 - 8:30 a.m. Packet pick-up
8 a.m. Marathon start (7th & Broad Streets)
8:15 a.m. Kids Run Start (9th & Main Streets)
8:45 a.m. 8k start (9th & Broad Streets)
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Finish Line Festival
11 a.m. 8k awards ceremony for overall and masters winners
12 p.m. Marathon awards ceremony for overall and masters winners
For media seeking more information, please call Scott Schricker at 285-9495
or 218-9689 (mobile phone on Race Day).
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