FOR RELEASE ANYTIME
Contact: Elite Racing, Inc.
800/311-1255
(Susan Reid / Ian Monahan)
Runners And Walkers Discover Winter Oasis
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon offers
perfect weather and attractions for active travelers
looking to get away this winter
PHOENIX, Ariz., (Dec. 5, 2006) – Celebrating its fourth anniversary in the
Valley of the Sun on Sun., Jan. 14, 2007, the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll
Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon has established itself as a popular winter
attraction for runners and walkers looking to plan a vacation to a warmer
climate.
Increasingly, active travelers from North America's coldest regions are
planning a long weekend in mid-January to enjoy the Valley of the Sun's
best resorts and challenge themselves on the flat and fast marathon (26.2
miles) and half-marathon (13.1 miles) courses, which are famous for their
on-course musical entertainment. Last year, when all race registrants from
the event's home state of Arizona were removed from the 2006 total, more
than half of all the 31,405 registered participants arrived from the
northern half of the United States and Canada.
Bert Vivian, an avid runner and president of P.F. Chang's China Bistro
headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz. knows, first-hand, about the attraction
of Arizona in the winter and the "Rock 'n' Roll" experience, having
competed in all three of the past marathons.
"The Valley of the Sun comes alive in the winter," said Vivian. "The summer
heat gives way to mild winters; more people are able to take full advantage
of outdoor activities, and this race is such a fun way to enjoy it all."
Winter activities are traditionally set around skiing and snowboarding, but
a vacation to the desert can offer a variety of activities for runners and
walkers, as well as their family and friends once they arrive.
"In addition to the outstanding weather and warm Arizona hospitality,
winter visitors can enjoy award winning resorts and spas, dining, golf,
hiking, shopping and even take short day trips to towns like artistic
Sedona," said Toni Smith with the Tempe Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
"What better way to start the New Year than with a rejuvenating vacation
that promotes health and fitness."
Smith participated in the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 1/2 Marathon
last year and her colleague to the north challenged himself in 2004 to run
the inaugural marathon.
"I was incredibly impressed by the event's exceptional organization, the
lively bands and enthusiastic cheerleaders and the groundswell of community
support," said Chris Ryall, Canadian representative for the Arizona Office
of Tourism based in Toronto. "It was an electric atmosphere for young and
old, non-runner and elite athlete alike and the event has developed into
one of the must-see and do events in Arizona."
"The P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon is an
opportunity for people to escape from the cold winter and indulge in their
passion for running in the warmth of the Arizona desert," Ryall added.
"From the kids' races to the Health & Fitness Expo and concert, there are
festivities for all ages surrounding the event."
About P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon
Inspired by the original Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., which
will celebrate its 10th anniversary in June, 2007, the P.F. Chang's Rock
'n' Roll Arizona features 70 live bands along both of the 26.2 and
13.1-mile courses, creating a block party atmosphere for participants and
spectators alike. More than 30,000 runners and walkers will participate on
the marathon and half-marathon courses that start in downtown Phoenix, run
through Scottsdale and finish at Arizona State University in Tempe. The
event concludes with an evening concert at Tempe Beach Park featuring the
Gin Blossoms. All participants and volunteers receive free entry to the
concert.
A two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race week at the Phoenix
Convention Center. All participants visit the expo to pick up their race
numbers and browse over 100 vendors from the running and fitness industry.
The Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.
To register for the race or for more information about the P.F. Chang's
Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon, visit www.RnRaz.com or contact
Elite Racing, Inc. at 800-311-1255.
About Elite Racing, Inc.
Elite Racing, Inc. is a sports marketing and management company based in
San Diego, Calif. that specializes in the production of road racing events
(marathons and half marathons). The musical marathon concept, which places
live bands at every mile along the course, was created and implemented by
Elite Racing in 1998 with the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego. Now in
its 10th year, the formula has grown to six cities nationwide attracting
more than 120,000 runners and walkers annually from around North America
and the world. Additional Elite Racing musical marathons include the
Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., the Rock 'n' Roll
Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, Va. and San Jose, Calif. and the Jefferson
Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run.
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