FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Javier De Jesus
ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
(404) 210-2780
Or
Jackie Tyson
Peloton Sports
(678) 362-6228
ING Georgia Marathon Reaches Registration Milestone in New Year
More Than 10,000 Sign Up For Georgia's Inaugural Event;
Less Than 5,000 Spots Remain
(Jan. 4, 2007, ATLANTA) – The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon reached
a major milestone in registrations with more than 10,000 runners, walkers,
and wheelchair athletes signing up for the Sunday, March 25 race. Reaching
the 10,000-runner mark more than eight weeks ahead of expectations, the
event, which is limited to 15,000 participants, is expected to sell out
quickly.
"Safety is our first concern, so once all spots are gone we will not want
to expand the field beyond 15,000. Next year it might be different. This
year, it is important to create a race that is safe, fun, and memorable for
all participants: runners, wheelchair athletes, walkers, volunteers and for
the spectators who come out to cheer," said Victoria Seahorn, race director
of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.
A field of 15,000 is one of the largest in the country for any inaugural
marathon. The ING Miami Marathon, a similar event being held at the end of
this month, began five years ago with 10,000 runners. Just this year, the
race expanded the field to 15,000. "The ING Georgia Marathon will not only
be a great event for the participants, but it will create significant
economic impact as well," Seahorn added.
Compared to other marathons in Georgia, the inaugural event is quickly on
its way to becoming the largest long-distance event in the state. The
Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon usually attracts close to 9,000
participants with nearly 90 percent of those participating in the half
marathon. From the entries received through January 1, 2007, the ING
Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon organizers have confirmed that,
approximately 45 percent are registered for the marathon and 55 percent for
the half marathon. Participants have registered from all 50 states and 18
countries.
The state has several smaller races with both a marathon and half marathon
option including: the new Alpharetta Marathon & Half Marathon, expecting a
field of 3,000 runners; The Memorial Health Tybee Island Marathon & Half
Marathon (in it's 12th year) and the Hughston Callaway Gardens Marathon &
Half Marathon (7th year), expecting fields of close to 1,500 each.
"With the abundance of successful marathons in the U.S. and around the
world, there is always a risk when launching a new event," said Ron Wayne,
former U.S. National Marathon Champion and director of running and
volleyball promotions for Mizuno, one of the race sponsors. "[Race
Director] Victoria Seahorn, and her staff have developed a user-friendly,
informative race web site, have extensively promoted the race within the
state of Georgia, and have attended many top national marathon race expos
promoting the race on a national and worldwide level. As a result of all
their efforts, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon is well on its way
to reaching its participation goal of 15,000 runners."
With 79 days to race day and less than one-third of registration spots
available, Seahorn added, "This race is becoming an incredible reality.
We're working around the clock to create a memorable experience for every
runner, walker and wheelchair athlete. We're doing this to deliver one of
the best springtime, neighborhood-based marathons and half-marathons in the
country."
About the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, to be held on Sunday, March 25,
is Georgia's first neighborhood–based marathon and half marathon. It will
travel through 26.2 miles (and 13.1 miles for the half marathon) of the
Metro Atlanta area's most interesting and historic areas including the
Sweet Auburn District, Inman Park, Decatur, Midtown and Downtown. Along the
way, it will pass landmarks including the King Center, Carter Center,
Margaret Mitchell House and finish at Underground Atlanta. The ING Georgia
Marathon & Half Marathon includes a marathon, half-marathon and a
wheelchair half-marathon. Runners, "wheelers," and race-day volunteers can
get information about the route, expo, training seminars and event sponsors
at: www.inggeorgiamarathon.com
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