FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marathon Seeks To Set World Record For 'The Running Man'
Williams Route 66 Marathon weekend set for Nov. 19-20, 2011
Tulsa, Okla. (Nov. 7, 2011) – Runners and spectators from across the
country and world will attempt to set a world record at the beginning of
the Williams Route 66 Marathon, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Oklahoma, on Sunday, Nov. 20. At the race's start line, participants can
choose to do 'The Running Man' dance to celebrate the spirit and fun of the
marathon.
Spectators, friends and family are also invited to participate in the dance
to increase the chances of obtaining the record. The Running Man record
attempt will take place at approximately 7:55 a.m. at the start line of the
race, position at 7th and Main streets in downtown Tulsa.
"We consider our marathon a celebration: a celebration of training, of hard
work, and of accomplishment," said Chris Lieberman, executive director of
Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc. "This world-record attempt is a fun way to
celebrate running and relieve a little stress at the starting line."
The marathon, in its sixth year, will host an expected 12,000 participants
with an expected economic impact of nearly $7 million from direct, indirect
and induced effects. Saturday races include the 5K, one-mile fun run and
Mascot Dash. Sunday races include the marathon, half marathon and marathon
relay. The races benefit the Tulsa Area United Way.
On Saturday, Nov. 19, the 5-kilometer run/walk (3.2 miles) is scheduled for
8 a.m. The one-mile fun run/walk is set for 9 a.m. The Mascot Dash is set
for 9:30 a.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 20, the marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles)
and marathon relay (5-person team completes 26.2 miles) all begin at 8 a.m.
The course depends on the race, but the marathon course starts in downtown
Tulsa, winds through the Brookside and Swan Lake neighborhoods, The
University of Tulsa campus and the Riverside area. More than 40 bands,
disc jockeys and local entertainment acts will play and cheer for runners
along the course, at the finish line and at the post-race party. Online
registration is open until midnight on Sunday, Nov. 13; then participants
can register at the health and fitness expo.
Walkers are welcome in all Williams Route 66 races. While all marathon,
half marathon and marathon relay finishers receive finisher medals, special
medals are available for any runner/walker completing his/her first
marathon. Additionally, a VIP area called Maniac Corner is available for
members of Marathon Maniacs and the 50 States Marathon Club. In 2011, the
Williams Route 66 Marathon is offering special finisher medals for members
of these two elite clubs.
The Williams Route 66 Marathon Health, Fitness and Sustainability Expo,
presented by St. John Health System, is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on
Friday, Nov. 19, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Tulsa
Convention Center. Packet pickup for all participants and volunteers is
also located at the expo. The two-day expo is free and open to the public.
Race-day events include a post-race party and classic car show. All
participants in the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay will receive
a newly-designed Route 66 Marathon medal, and the St. John Kids Club will
present all participants in the 5K and Fun Run ages 17 and under with a
special kids medal.
Approximately 1,500 volunteers are needed to produce the all-volunteer
marathon and family of events. Volunteers check-in participants, pass out
T-shirts, man water and Gatorade stops, provide course direction, pass out
finisher medals, and more. Those interested in volunteering can click
here.
Other weekend events include the pasta party at Cain's Ballroom on Saturday
night, where the annual Kjell Tovander award will be presented to an
inspirational runner. The post-race party, complete with food, beverages
and entertainment takes place after the Sunday races, along with the
Classic Car Show.
About the Williams Route 66 Marathon
The 2011 Williams Route 66 Marathon weekend, presented by Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Oklahoma, in Tulsa, Okla., is set for Saturday, Nov. 19 and
Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011. Events are held annually the Sunday before
Thanksgiving. The sixth anniversary of the Williams Route 66 Marathon
weekend includes a two-day health and fitness expo, pasta dinner, marathon,
half marathon, five-person marathon relay, 5K run/walk, and a one-mile fun
run/walk. Post-race festivities include concerts and a classic car show.
To learn more about the events, sponsoring, training or volunteering,
please e-mail , call (918) 409-2828, or visit
www.route66marathon.com .
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