FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sixth Annual P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona to
Kickoff 2009 Marathon Series
Online Registration Closes January 11, Volunteer
Opportunities Still Available
Phoenix, AZ (January 9, 2009) – Entering its sixth year as one of the
nation's premiere running events, the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona
Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will host more than 30,000 runners and walkers on
Sunday, January 18, 2009.
The largest combined marathon and half marathon in the U.S. offers two
fast, flat and scenic courses that start in downtown Phoenix, run through
Scottsdale and finish at Arizona State University in Tempe. The region's
ideal temperatures have made it a hotspot for athletes throughout the fall
and winter months, and contribute to its appeal as a vacation destination.
Over half of all event participants travel from outside Arizona and
annually generate an economic impact of $44 million for the region.
"We're excited to get the 2009 Rock 'n' Roll series underway in the Valley
of the Sun with a world-class running event January 18," said Bruce
Herring, Vice-President of Events for Competitor Group. "The local
community has always welcomed the marathon with open arms and the continual
growth of the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona indicates how valuable
this event has become to our host cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe."
New to the event in 2009 will be the Valley Metro Light Rail, a public
transportation service operating throughout the greater Phoenix area. With
stops convenient to the expo, finish and concert, plus a stop within a mile
of the race start, the light rail is an ideal mode of transportation for
both local and out-of-town participants.
In addition to annually promoting fun and fitness, 30 official charities
will raise approximately $4 million at the race this year. Of the 1,700 of
charity runners registered, over 1,100 will participating with the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT). TNT is expecting to raise
$3.2 million in partnership with the event this year, bringing their six
year total to $22.2 million at the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona. TNT
has raised $185.1 million through the history of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
Series.
"2009 is shaping up to be one of our best events yet," said Dawn Reichert,
Event Manager. "We're encouraging runners who are planning to participate
but have not registered to sign up before online registration closes on
Sunday, January 11. However, we'll also have walk up registration at the
expo."
Race weekend kicks off Friday, January 16 with a free two-day Health &
Fitness Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center open to the public. The Expo,
where all participants must pick up their bib number and race packet, will
be held in the South Building from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday and 9:00
am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 17. Over 100 exhibitors will feature
free samples, the latest in running gear and sports apparel, as well as
interactive clinics.
For those who want to get involved with the event, but aren't ready to
conquer the 13.1 or 26.2-mile distances, volunteers are also needed to
assist with the Health & Fitness Expo throughout race weekend and on race
day. Every volunteer will receive a free ticket to the post race concert.
More information on volunteer opportunities is available at
http://www.rnraz.com/volunteer.html.
The race begins at 7:30 am Sunday, January 18 with 70 live bands and 40
local high school cheer squads performing along every mile of the 13.1-mile
and 26.2-mile courses. The event will conclude with an evening headliner
concert featuring Smash Mouth at Tempe Beach Park. All participants receive
a free concert ticket with their race entry.
The 6th annual P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona is the 38th event in the
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. To register for the race or for more
information, please visit www.rnraz.com or call 800-311-1255.
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