Press Release - Surf City Marathon - 1/19/09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

              SURF CITY USA® MARATHON SELLS IN RECORD TIME;
                          FIELD IS LARGEST EVER

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Race organizers today announced that all 
17,000-plus entry slots into the Surf City USA® Marathon, half marathon and 
5K races have been filled.  Already the state's largest oceanfront marathon 
and half marathon, the Surf City USA Marathon is now the only major 
"winter" race held in Southern California.  The award-winning event is 
staged on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 and is preceded by a two-day exposition.  
Detailed information is available at www.runsurfcity.com.

Fueled in large part by unprecedented half marathon entries, a recent 
expose in the popular Runner's World magazine and powerful word-of-mouth, 
this is the earliest sell-out and the largest field in the race's 13 year 
history.  "The popularity of this event has just reached a critical mass of 
runners," said Surf City USA Marathon General Manager Amy Tomchak.  "More 
runners know about it than ever before; from friends telling friends about 
their experiences and the cool perks to the unique oceanfront course."

The Surf City USA Marathon, which serves as a "qualifier" for the 
prestigious Boston Marathon, is rated among the top five marathon 
experiences in America by Marathon and Beyond.  It is an integral part of 
the all-new California Dreamin' Racing Series.  Also featuring the Long 
Beach International City Bank Marathon and San Francisco Marathon, the 
three races have combined forces to offer runners competing in all three 
events within two consecutive years to qualify for the California Dreamin' 
Series Medal and Finisher's Jacket! 

Surf culture is infused throughout the venue with bands, boards and the 
famous surfboard finishers' medallions.  The event is held on Super Bowl 
Sunday and racing begins at 6:50 a.m.  The starting point is on Pacific 
Coast Highway, just south of Main St. and the famed pier. More information 
is available at www.runsurfcity.com.  

 

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