Press Release - Vermont City Marathon - 4/24/13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Keybank Vermont City Marathon Open Door to Boston Marathon Participants
  
          Runners Unable to Finish the Boston Marathon Last Week 
  are Invited to Run The KeyBank Vermont City Marathon for Free on May 26.
				   
Burlington, VT - On April 15, 2013 over 5000 Boston Marathon participants 
runners were denied the opportunity to finish a race for which they had 
trained long and hard. KeyBank Vermont City Marathon officials are offering 
those runners the opportunity to run New England's second largest marathon 
for free. 

"Our entire community comes together race weekend to create an atmosphere 
of celebration," said KeyBank Vermont City Marathon race director Peter 
Delaney. "We're opening our doors to anyone who was unable to finish 
Boston, so that they can realize the results of their training and continue 
the healing process." 

There are a limited number of slots left in the marathon. Race officials 
are offering 150 of the remaining spaces to Boston Marathon participants. 

The KeyBank Vermont City Marathon is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this 
year. The event draws 8000 participants, 1700 volunteers and 30,000 
spectators to downtown Burlington each Memorial Day Weekend. 

Boston Marathon participants interested in running the KeyBank Vermont City 
Marathon can register at www.runvcm.org with code "BOSTONSTRONG". 

KBVCM officials will spread the word about the offer via their social media 
channels and also through running clubs and their database of runners.

In addition to welcoming Boston runners who were unable to finish, KeyBank 
Vermont City Marathon officials will honor those affected by the tragedy 
Boston with a moment of silence at the start of the race. "Sweet Caroline" 
will also play at the start and all runners and volunteers will receive 
blue and yellow "Boston Strong" pins.

"Our hearts go out to all those that were affected by the events in Boston, 
including the runners, spectators, race organizers, volunteers and 
families." Delaney said. "We hope that running here in Vermont will give 
participants an opportunity to celebrate an incredible accomplishment and 
continue their healing." 

About the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon:

Celebrating its 25th year, the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon and Relay 
annually attracts 8000 participants and an estimated 30,000 spectators. 
Embraced by the community and supported by over 1700 volunteers, the 
KeyBank Vermont City Marathon is a small city race with a big city feel.
Learn more at www.RunVCM.org

About RunVermont:

RunVermont is a not-for-profit business focused on the promotion of a 
healthy lifestyle. The organization offers competitive and educational 
programs for adults and children including the KeyBank Vermont City 
Marathon and Relay, the MVP Health Care YAM Scram, FirstRun, Ready, Set, 
Run! and the Half Unplugged.  For more information, visit 
www.runvermont.org.

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