FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEFF GALLOWAY, "AMERICA'S COACH", RETURNS TO THE 2009 SPACE COAST MARATHON
Cocoa, FL (April 2) - Former Olympian and "America's Coach", Jeff Galloway,
will return for the 38th running of the Space Coast Marathon and Half on
Sunday, November 29 at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. The course, which
is Florida's oldest -- and the nation's only -- space-themed marathon and
half, treats participants to spectacular beauty as it winds along the shady
banks of the Indian River.
"This is a well-run event, in a beautiful part of the world," said
Galloway, the former Olympian who has run more than 120 marathons and has
coached some 200,000 athletes from around the globe to do the same. "I
believe that this race is one of the hidden treasures in the world of
marathons."
But the secret is getting out.
Since Galloway's initial visit four years ago, Runners World magazine has
dubbed the event "Race of the Month" (2008) as well as the race with the
"Best Schwag" (2007).
"I believe that we have one of the most unique marathons in the nation,"
said Don Piercy, co-owner of Running Zone, the event's race management
company. "As the race is held within the shadow of the Kennedy Space
Center, our entire event revolves around a space theme. What other race
offers a race start with a Space Shuttle countdown and liftoff on a
Jumbotron or a chance to take a picture with the astronauts?"
"There are Space props along the course and at the finish; volunteers in
NASA-like uniforms and space- themed aid stations. In addition, all
finishers receive the most awesome astronaut medal and a 'space
certificate' to recognize their accomplishment."
And it is not just the space theme that has caused event participation to
more than triple since 2005. Independent post-race athlete surveys
conducted in 2007 and 2008 showed that participants believed both the Space
Coast Marathon and Half provided the biggest bang for the buck in terms of
value, experience and individual support.
"Both my wife, Denise, and I are runners," said Piercy. "We care about each
and every participant and want to make sure that each person feels special;
has great course support and a wonderful experience at our event. You're
not just a number at our race."
Here's what participants can expect throughout this year's space-themed
weekend:
Jeff Galloway - keynote speaker
Two-day health and fitness expo
Pace teams to help set a personal record
Official long-sleeve moisture-wicking, technical race shirts
Corral starts and ChampionChip timing on a USATF-certified course
(Boston qualifier)
Aid stations at every mile
Large beach towels with race logo to all finishers
Astronaut medals and 'space certificates' to all finishers
A full pancake, egg & sausage breakfast plus pizza for all
finishers
Photo opportunities with astronauts at the pre-race dinner and race
site.
For more information or to register for the race, visit
www.spacecoastmarathon.com
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