FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Bitong
Marketing Director
(330) 375-2786 x3
ROAD RUNNER AKRON MARATHON REGISTRATION
NUMBERS STILL GROWING QUICKLY
Deadline for personalized runner's bib upcoming
AKRON, Ohio (Aug 9, 2007) – Runners from around the country are literally
lining up to "run the bird" on the streets of Akron, Ohio, on September 29.
For the 22nd straight week, the Road Runner Akron Marathon registration
numbers are up from the same time in 2006.
The Road Runner Akron Marathon is currently boasting a 78 percent increase
in registration for its 5th anniversary race. The event drew nearly 6,000
total participants in 2006 in the marathon, 2-person relay and 5-person
relay events, the highest number in its four-year history. With the
addition of the half marathon in 2007, the numbers continue to grow. As of
August 5, 2007, the marathon held a 27 percent increase in number of
registered participants over the same time in 2006. The 5-person relay had
a 30 percent increase. The new half marathon has 471 registrants as of the
same date. Overall participation in the Road Runner Akron Marathon is
currently up 78 percent, with 1,499 registered participants in 2007
compared to 843 on August 5, 2006.
"One of our runners' favorite things about the Road Runner Akron Marathon
is the personalized runner's bib," said Jim Barnett, executive race
director. "Many of our runners put the name of someone they're running in
honor of, or even just their nickname on the bib. They say it's very
special to have spectators cheering for them by name, not just bib number."
Runners who would like to have a personalized bib must register for the
race by August 14. Interested participants may register online at www.akronmarathon.org or by calling (330) 375-2786 (2RUN).
Runners of any skill level can compete in the event by running in the full
marathon, the new half marathon, a 5-person relay or a 2-person relay.
Through the array of available events, runners are able to choose their
distances from 3.1, 6.2, 7.6, 10.7, 13.1, 15.5 or 26.2-miles. There is also
a 1K Kids Fun Run available for free for children 14 and under on race day.
For the second year, all runners who complete the full marathon will
receive a free pair of running shoes. This year, Brooks Sports will be
offering a number of male and female shoe styles for runners to choose
from.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of pre-race and race day
responsibilities. All Road Runner Akron Marathon Volunteers receive a
volunteer t-shirt and an invitation to the Volunteer Party hosted by the
marathon in October. Interested individuals and groups may contact the Road
Runner Akron Marathon via website or phone.
The Road Runner Akron Marathon is organized by the Akron Marathon
Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated to promoting
health and fitness. Additional information on the Road Runner Akron
Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relays is available at www.akronmarathon.org or by calling (330) 375-2786 (2RUN).
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