FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Williams Route 66 Marathon Wins Second Place in
National Medal Competition
Tulsa, Okla. (April 22, 2010) – The Williams Route 66 Marathon, in its
fifth year, is the recipient of a second place award recognizing the best
marathon medals in the United States. Marathon and Beyond, a bimonthly
magazine designed for runners of marathons and ultramarathons, conducted
the nationwide medal competition.
In addition to the second-place finish, the medal, as well as the Tulsa
event, are featured on the cover of the May/June 2010 issue.
"This recognition is an incredible honor," said Chris Lieberman, executive
director of the Williams Route 66 Marathon. "We knew that our medal was
unique and a favorite of many of our runners, but to be recognized by an
international publication is truly an accomplishment."
The Route 66 Marathon medal is modeled after a classic hood ornament, and
includes the historic Route 66 highway sign. According to Marathon and
Beyond, the Route 66 medal received high marks due to the unique design
corresponding to a piece of America’s history. In addition, the Route 66
Marathon offers a special medal for first-time marathon finishers, which
also caught the judges’ attention.
The Route 66 Marathon and Half Marathon medals change each year, and the
new design will be announced at the Route 66 Quarter Marathon in August.
"This award proves that the Route 66 Marathon has a real sense of what the
marathon should be," said Rich Benyo, editor of Marathon and Beyond.
"Marathons and their medals should reflect the region, and this chrome
piece captures the era of the chrome bumpers and adventure of getting into
your car and driving Route 66."
Finisher’s medals, not commonplace until the 1980s, are now a staple at
distance-running events. These collectors’ items are important to runners,
and many racers choose marathons based on the finisher’s medals.
Medal contest judges included 11 veteran marathon runners from across the
country. Together, they boast more than 2,250 marathon finishes, equating
to a lot of hardware. Of the medal entries, the panel consistently chose
the top three medals.
Marathon and Beyond is a well-respected, 200-page magazine covering issues
directly related to distance runners, including training information, race
strategies and running history. To view the entire article about the medal
awards, click www.marathonandbeyond.com.
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