FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Long Beach International City Bank Marathon Joins with California State
University Long Beach to Make Marathon Course More Scenic & Fun
University Community to celebrate participants as they run through campus!
Long Beach, Calif. — The course for the 24th Annual Long Beach
International City Bank Marathon – nationally known for its scenic mix of
oceanside views and city landmarks —just got more scenic and fun!
California State University, Long Beach, and International City Racing, are
excited to announce that the full marathon course has been changed to allow
participants to run through the picturesque campus eliminating a lonely
stretch on Studebaker Road which was miles 16-17-18 of the marathon. The
university and campus community is expected to be out in force to welcome
and cheer on the runners as they pass through.
The university has exciting plans to have their cheerleaders, pep band, and
the school's mascot -- Prospector Pete -- welcome runners as they enter
campus. Bands, athletic teams, Greek organizations and student groups will
line the course and cheer, with the school awarding prizes to the groups
showing the most spirit!
"Cal State Long Beach has a tradition of being a place where people come to
test their skills and to strive to do the best they can," said President F.
King Alexander. "Our university is very excited to host those who will be
participating in the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon. We
promise them a beautiful location every step of their way through our
campus, and students and others who will make sure to let them know they're
welcome and doing a great job."
"The runners are going to love this part of the course said Bob Seagren,
CEO of ICR. The environment should be fantastic as the university is going
to throw a big party on race day to celebrate all the runners as they pass
through campus. This is especially important around mile 17 thru 20 as this
is when runners sometimes "hit the wall" and lose the energy to complete
the event. It will be very motivating for them. Running through the campus
will create a fantastic experience for everyone."
Most of marathon course remains the same – especially the scenic parts
along the beach and ocean. The changes will only affect the full marathon
route. Miles 12-13 take in the spectacular scenery of Marine Stadium, and
the Long Beach Marina. After leaving Marine Stadium, runners circle
Colorado Lagoon and head towards California State University, Long Beach.
Miles 17 & 18 will now travel directly through the campus and pass popular
community icons including the Walter Pyramid and the Carpenter Performing
Arts Center. Mile 19 passes Bixby Hill, site of the historic Rancho Los
Alamitos, then Pass Recreation Park, Blair Field and the Colorado Lagoon,
the homestretch is now in sight.
18,000 plus runners, walkers and cyclists are expected to be competing in
the 24th Annual Long Beach International City Bank Marathon events on
Sunday, October 12, 2008. This years event includes a Full-Marathon,
Half-Marathon, recreational Marathon Bike Tour, the Run Forrest Run 5K and
the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run. All participants receive an event t-shirt and race
goodie-bag. Finishers in the Marathon, Half Marathon, and Bike Tour will
receive a commemorative finisher's medal. In a continuing tradition,
wheelchair and handcycle participants can compete in the full marathon.
More than 30,000 are expected to attend the two-day Health & Fitness Expo
in Hall C at the Long Beach Convention Center on Fri., Oct. 10 (Noon-7
p.m.) and Sat., Oct. 11 (9 a.m.- 6 p.m.). Featuring more than 100
exhibitors, the Expo -- FREE to the public -- will highlight the latest in
the running, health and fitness industry. All athletes must attend the
expo to pick up their race packets, and the expo is also the last place to
register for any of the marathon events. There is no race-day registration
or packet pickup.
On race day, 30,000 are expected at the Michelob Ultra Finish Line Festival
on the Marina Green on Shoreline Drive. The festival offers live music,
food and fun, and is a gathering place and viewing area for friends, family
and guests of all participants. Like the Expo, the festival is FREE to the
public.
Event sponsors for 2008 include: Title Sponsor - International City Bank:
Official Sponsors: Saturn –Official Vehicle; JetBlue Airways – Official US
Airlines; Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children's Hospital
– Official Healthcare Provider; EVA Airways – Official International
Airline; the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company – 5K Sponsor; Road Runner Sports –
Official Running Specialty Store; Buono's Pizzeria – Official Pizza, and
Michelob Ultra - Finish Line Festival sponsor. Product Sponsors include:
Cliff Bar – the on course energy bar and gel; REI – bike tour sponsor and
Long Beach Hyatt Hotel – Official Headquarters Hotel. Media Partners
include the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, Prevention Magazine,
the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Downtown Long Beach Associates.
For more information on the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon,
please visit www.runlongbeach.com or call 562-427-4606.
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