FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Geneva Hampton
501-371-4639
501-351-7730 cell
Gina Marchese Pharis
501-918-5321
501-351-7700 cell
Little Rock Marathon Registration Opens
Race Officials Look to Reach Participation of 7,000
for the March 6, 2005 Races
LITTLE ROCK, AR (July 19, 2004) - Registration is currently underway for
the third edition of the Little Rock Marathon presented by the Arkansas
Democrat Gazette. Race officials anticipate the largest field of
participants in the races' history and are making preparations for 7,000
participants on March 6, 2005. Proceeds from the race benefit the programs
and facilities of Little Rock Parks & Recreation.
The 2004 race (held earlier this year) saw a 52% increase in participation
with more than 3,800 participants crossing the finish line according to
Greg Hatcher, Race Chairman.
"I believe our trend will continue in 2005," Hatcher noted. "The word is
out on the street. We produce a quality event that showcases our state and
if we just do what we did earlier this year, we will double. Marathoners
want to participate in quality races like the Little Rock Marathon."
"There are many exciting things in store for 2005 and we have stepped it
up a notch across the board" said Hatcher. "We revamped our website and
have added many new features to our training pages. We plan to introduce
our new charity program, which will be headed by Lynnette Watts. We will
also offer a live web cast and local network telecast on race day."
"We have had great articles in national running publications this summer,"
said Hatcher. "There is a buzz in the industry on the Little Rock Marathon
and as we continue to improve our event and marketing strategies - more
participants will check us out."
The Little Rock Marathon is presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and
is sponsored in part by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau,
Arkansas Specialty Orthopaedics, the Hatcher Agency and Clear Mountain
Water.
Online registration is available at www.littlerockmarathon.com through
February 25, 2005. Paper registration forms for all races will be
available at the Little Rock Parks and Recreation office located in City
Hall, participating sponsors, and most fitness facilities across the state
in mid-September. Paper entry forms will be accepted through February 25,
2005, then individuals must register at the Little Rock Marathon Health &
Fitness Expo/Show at Robinson Auditorium Exhibit Hall on March 4 and 5,
2005.
Little Rock Parks and Recreation (LRPR) oversees 53 parks, four community
centers, the Adult Leisure Center, War Memorial Fitness Center, four
swimming pools, two tennis centers, the River Market, the Riverfest
Amphitheatre, three golf courses, and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas
Military History. The LRPR system includes more than 5,000 acres of
designated parks and open space. In addition, the organization offers a
wide-range of youth and adult recreational and sports leagues, after-school
and summer playground programs for children ages 6-15, outdoor recreation,
therapeutic recreation and programs for seniors. Funds raised will
continue to support parks and recreational programs for all ages. For more
information about Little Rock Parks & Recreation please visit www.lrpr.org.
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