FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEALTH FIRST HEALTH PLANS SECURES THREE-YEAR
TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF THE SPACE COAST MARATHON
Melbourne, FL (April 9) - The Space Coast Marathon is proud to announce
that Health First Health Plans, ranked as one of America's Best Health
Plans by U.S. News and World Report, has secured a three-year title
sponsorship of Florida's oldest --and the nation's only -- space-themed
marathon.
"We are extremely pleased to partner with them to offer Brevard's largest
marathon and half marathon," said Don Piercy, co-owner of Running Zone, the
event's race management company. "We share a similar vision to promote and
encourage health and fitness. There is a great synergy between our
organizations."
The 2009 marathon and half will take place on Nov. 29 at Riverfront Park in
Cocoa Village. And, as a result of new partnership, this year's race
weekend will offer a two-day health and fitness expo at the Maxwell C. King
Center in Melbourne on Nov. 27-28.
The expo - which will be free and open to the community - is an addition to
the long list of perks that already distinguishes the race as providing the
best value for the participant's buck.
In 2007, Runners World magazine gave Space Coast Marathon the nod as the
race with "the best schwag". The publication also conferred the title of
"Race of the Month" on the event in 2008.
The value of the race combined with the beauty of the waterfront course and
the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving weekend on the Space Coast, has made
the race a favorite for out of town participants.
With about a third of last year's 2,000 registrants coming from out of
state and an equal number arriving from other Florida counties, the race is
one of Brevard's highest revenue-generating sporting events.
"We're very supportive of the Space Coast Marathon," said Rob Varley,
Executive Director of the Brevard County Tourist Development Council that
provides advertising sponsorship for the race. "We think it is a great,
great event that generates a lot of visitors to the county during a soft
timeframe. They generate at least a 1,000 room nights. It is at least a
half million dollar event for Brevard."
In addition to Health First Health Plans, the Space Coast Marathon enjoys
generous support from All Media Graphics, Bright House Networks, Brooks
Sports, Cumulus Radio, the Cocoa Cola Company, Culligan Water, Florida
Today newspaper, Four Points by Sheraton, Kennedy Space Center, the Maxwell
C. King Performing Arts Center, Radisson Resort at the Port, Sandpiper
Sportswear, Space Coast Office of Tourism and Space Coast Runners.
Complete race information and registration can be found at
www.spacecoastmarathon.com
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