FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Keith Dowling
(202) 857.5996
NATIONAL MARATHON CHANGES COURSE
Destination: All 26.2 miles within the District of Columbia
(Washington, DC) The National Marathon and Half Marathon announced today
that all 26.2 miles of the route will be in the District of Columbia. After
a successful inaugural race in 2006, revisions were made to alleviate
traffic congestion in Prince George's County and reward the District with a
marathon they can call their own.
"The National Marathon is an exciting new tradition in our city and I was
proud to be the official starter during the inaugural race earlier this
year," said Mayor Anthony A. Williams. "The marathon generates excitement
and is an appropriate part of the city's athletic diversity, adding to the
overall quality of life. With the new race course running entirely within
the city's borders, we will be able to showcase our neighborhoods to
thousands of runners from across the country."
The route, which retains its start and finish area at RFK, will feature the
traditional iconic depth of DC mixed with the traditional and emerging
neighborhoods such as Adams Morgan and the H Street Corridor.
"Lots of races cover the Mall and the monuments, but I wanted a course that
highlights the different sides of DC," said race director and former elite
marathoner, Keith Dowling. "Our runners gave us great feedback last year,
and we listened."
With more and more people moving back into the District and with the recent
flurry of development along the Anacostia Waterfront, the National Marathon
looks to be a gateway for all the amenities that Washington, DC has to
offer. "I think we are ahead of the curve," said Greater Washington Sports
Alliance president, Bob Sweeney. "Our course represents a path to DC's past
and a road to its future."
Quick Facts:
· 2nd annual event to be held on Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 7 a.m.
· Marathon and Half Marathon is capped at 5000 total participants.
· Produced by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance.
· Race features a multi-division Team Challenge that includes
head-to-head competition between running clubs, open teams,
and a battle between Police Officers and Fire/EMS employees.
For more information, or to register for the National Marathon, go to:
www.NationalMarathon.com.
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