FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kathrine Switzer Named Emcee of the
Inaugural Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon;
Legendary Women's Runner Will Also Speak at
Driver's Village New York State Health and Wellness Expo
SYRACUSE, NY-July 19, 2011-Achieve Fitness, LLC announced today that
Kathrine Switzer will serve as the emcee for the Inaugural Empire State
Marathon and Half Marathon on Oct. 16, 2011.
Perhaps best known as the first woman to officially (although
controversially) enter the Boston Marathon in 1967 while she was still a
student at Syracuse University, Switzer went on to run 38 marathons and won
the 1974 New York City Marathon. She was named by Runner's World Magazine
as one of running's "Four Visionaries of the 20th Century" for her work
in women's equality in the sport and leading the drive to secure the
women's marathon as an Olympic event.
"We're honored to have Kathrine Switzer involved with our
marathon-particularly our inaugural one," said Brian Collins, principle
owner of Achieve Fitness, LLC, management company for the Empire State
Marathon and Half Marathon. "She is the First Lady of women's running since
she broke the gender barrier and paved the way for others. She remains a
recognized leader in the running world not only for creating opportunities
but also as a TV broadcaster and author. "
Switzer will also serve as the keynote speaker at the Driver's Village New
York State Health and Wellness Expo on Oct 14-15.
"It is always tremendously exciting to be on board for an inaugural event
like this," said Switzer. "Syracuse has long needed a 'signature' marathon.
The Empire State Marathon looks poised to bring visitors, excitement, and
excellent performance to the area, to say nothing of positive economic
impact and visibility."
During the weekend of Sept. 30, 2011, Switzer will be inducted into The
National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY, not for her athletic
achievements, but for activating positive social change. She is already a
member of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.
About Achieve Fitness, LLC and the Empire State Marathon
Founded in 1998, Achieve Fitness, LLC is a leading sports marketing,
training and event company in Phoenix, Arizona. A consulting company for
the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon, Achieve Fitness is the
managing entity of 1st Marathon, 1st Triathlon, the recently reacquired
Valley of the Sun Marathon and Half Marathon, and the Empire State Marathon
and Half Marathon. Principle owner Brian Collins is a native of Central New
York and graduate of Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Syracuse University
and Le Moyne College.
On Oct. 16, 2011, the Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon will give
runners an up-close view of Central New York's rolling landscape and
vibrant autumn colors. The USATF-certified course, which begins and ends at
Alliance Bank Ball Park Stadium, travels through the cities of Syracuse,
Liverpool and Baldwinsville. A pre-race health a fitness expo will be held
on Oct. 14-15 and feature vendors from the running and fitness industries.
Additional information about the Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon is
available at http://www.empirestatemarathon.com.
###
|
