FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX HOSTS
PRE-RACE COUNTDOWN FOR SPACE COAST MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON
(Melbourne,,Fla (March 22, 2010) - ) The Space Coast Marathon and
Half-Marathon, already renowned for its authentic space theme and quality
race experience, is moving both the health and fitness expo and the
pre-race dinner to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Nov. 27.
"We are proud to partner with the Space Coast Marathon by hosting the
pre-race events, as the participants are surrounded by the excitement of
mankind's greatest achievement," said Annette Hogan, Director of Sales &
Marketing at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "We are happy to support
the local community and welcome the participants to learn more about the
space program at unique facilities, leaving them with a memorable
experience."
Race participants - as well as the general public - are invited to attend
the free Health First Health Plans Health and Fitness Expo that will be
open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on November 27. in the Kurt H. Deubus
Conference Facility at the KSC Visitor Complex.
Exhibiters will feature the newest designs in running gear and shoes, as
well as the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition. Late race
registration and packet pick-up will also be offered.
At 6 p.m., those attending the pre-race pasta party will be bused to the
Apollo/Saturn V Center where they will dine under the historical and
colossal Saturn V moon rocket prominently suspended above the tables. The
363-foot-long launch vehicle - the nNation's most powerful - came to
symbolize America's dominance in space after it launched the Apollo 11 crew
to the moon.
Further enhancing their space experience, participants will be able to
partake inof the dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays
that provide an inspirational and exhilarating look into America's quest
for the moon.
Diners will be enthralled and motivated by key-note speakers Mike McCulley,
former Sspace sShuttle pilot (STS-34) and retired United Space Alliance CEO
and Dick Beardsley, an author, motivational speaker and former world-class
marathon champion.
On Nov. 28, runners and walkers will line the streets of downtown Cocoa
Village for the 6:15 a.m. start of the 39th annual Space Coast Marathon
(26.2 miles) and Half-Marathon (13.1 miles). The athletes will be launched
on their journey by the roar of a sSpace sShuttle countdown and liftoff
rumbling from the Jumbotron overhead.
Participants will be treated to 14 space-themed aide stations along the
USATF-certified, partially shaded and mostly flat course that parallels the
Indian River. This year's start will first send the marathoners north while
the half-marathoners head south.
The finish line for all athletes is in Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village and
those who cross it will receive a commemorative astronaut medal and beach
towel before enjoying a post-race celebration that includes pizza , a full
pancake, egg and sausage breakfast and photo opportunities with astronauts.
"The Space Coast Marathon connects you with the excitement and inspiration
that is NASA, and the heritage of our space program in a unique way," said
Jeff Galloway, former Olympian and author known as "America's Coach,", who
has twice participated in the event. "At the same time, you're running
this well-organized event on one of the most scenic waterfront courses
ever."
On-line and mail-in registration is now available at
http://www.spacecoastmarathon.com/register. Through Aug. 31, Brevard County
residents may deduct $5 from the $70 half-marathon fee and $10 from the $80
marathon fee. The pre-race dinner is $50 per person and limited to 350
participants.
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