Press Release - Des Moines Marathon - 7/7/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                Contact: Des Moines Marathon
                                         Helene Neville, Executive Director
                                         (515) 288-2692
                                         www.DesMoinesMarathon.com

             DES MOINES MARATHON EXPLAINS DISQUALIFICATION 
                OF RUNNER UNDER USATF GUIDELINES

In the inaugural marathon (2002), Marty Dalton, the second place finisher 
was disqualified. As a registered elite runner who received a waived entry, 
he accepted aid from an unregistered runner and an unregistered bicyclist. 

Before the legal two year date of expiration, I have been notified that he 
has chosen to reverse his decision to dismiss his suit against the Des 
Moines Marathon. 

The 2002 race was governed according to USATF rules. Such assistance is 
illegal if the runner is seeking to place and win prize money. 

Marathons actively recruit pacing teams; however, every member of a pacing 
team must be registered. According to the rules of long distance running, 
the final decision is made by the race director. 

Since the Des Moines Marathon recognizes and adheres to the rules of long 
distance running, his admitted acceptance of illegal aid automatically 
disqualified Mr. Dalton from receiving prize money and placement.

In an unprecedented two year time frame, the Des Moines Marathon has 
brought to the community, travel and tourism dollars which substantially 
impacts the cities hotel/motel tax. The community as a whole has benefited 
from this annual event.

"I regret that this matter has not been satisfactorily resolved, and I 
regret even more so that this incident occurred. It questions and 
challenges the integrity of the sport of long distance running in general 
and the Des Moines Marathon in particular". Helene Neville, Executive 
Director. 

"A major mission of this annual event is to encourage awareness and 
appreciation of our city and state. The events demographics, positively 
demonstrates its continual success. Despite these repeated peripheral 
distractions, our enthusiasm for Des Moines and its marathon remains 
constant and strong". Helene Neville

The Des Moines Marathon, Half Marathon, Kid’s Run and expo will take place 
the weekend of October 15-17, 2004. Check the web site for all your race 
weekend information. Currently, there are 32 states and four countries 
represented. Participation is presently up 30% from last 
year.  www.DesMoinesMarathon.com.

I look forward to seeing you race weekend. 

Helene Neville, Executive Director

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