Press Release - Des Moines Marathon - 3/28/05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                Contact: Chris Burch
                                         Des Moines Marathon
                                         515.288.2692
                                         

            IMT Insurance Sponsors the 2005 Des Moines Marathon


Contrary to a previous announcement the 4th annual Des Moines Marathon will 
take place on Sunday, September 18, 2005.  The marathon and half marathon 
have already attracted national attention as one of the fastest growing 
marathons in the United States.  

IMT Insurance, located in West Des Moines, Iowa has stepped forward as the 
title sponsor and is proud to take the financial lead in support of the 
2005 Des Moines IMT Marathon.  

WOI TV has also joined the Des Moines Marathon as the official media 
sponsor for the 2005 Des Moines Marathon.

A committee of volunteers organizes the Des Moines Marathon each year.  The 
committee has been recently restructured to strengthen the future of the 
marathon.  Chris Burch has been named as Executive Director of the event.  
"Race Director, Helene Neville, has brought her vision of a 26.2 mile race 
to our city and has turned it into an event that everyone can enjoy and be 
proud of.  Our next step is to solidify this race as a mainstay in the 
downtown area. 

The Des Moines Marathon has been met with an overwhelming response from 
individuals, businesses and civic leaders who realize the importance of 
keeping an event like this in Des Moines.  We have such a wonderful 
community and the marathon is an excellent way to showcase our city to the 
world."

The 2004 Des Moines Marathon welcomed 3,500 registered runners in the full 
and half marathon.  Runners came to Des Moines, Iowa from 47 states, 6 
countries and 4 provinces in Canada.  The average growth rate for marathons 
in the United States is 10%.  The Des Moines Marathon boasts a 38% growth 
rate.  In three short years, the marathon has generated $1.3 million in 
economic impact for the Des Moines area.

For 2005 Des Moines Marathon event information, please visit the website at 
www.desmoinesmarathon.com.


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