FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                               Contact: Scott Schricker
                                                        (804) 285-9495


     SunTrust Richmond Marathon Economic Impact Pegged at $8.4 Million
      November 12, 2005 event drew 33,436 participants and spectators

RICHMOND, VA - The 2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon, featuring the largest 
participant field and most spectators in its 28-year history, pumped over 
$8.4 million into the Richmond economy, a new study reports.

   The study was conducted by InZone Research, a sports marketing research 
group working through Virginia Commonwealth University SportsCenter.  The 
study involved interviewing over 600 attendees at the event on their travel 
and spending habits during the weekend of November 10-13, 2005.

   Economic modeling software was used in computing the economic impact 
for the Richmond Marathon.  The software administered by InZone captures 
how much new money is being generated into the Richmond Metropolitan 
Statistical Area.  InZone has also used this model in computing economic 
impacts for various organizations such as the Richmond International 
Raceway, the Colonial Athletic Association and the Richmond Strikers. Jenn 
Sprouse, Director of InZone

   The event, which had record fields for the marathon itself (4,763 
registered), and its companion race, the NTELOS 8k (4,698), drew 33,436 
participants and spectators. A total of 5,099 of the participants came from 
outside the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).  Of the 25,077 
spectators estimated, a total of 15,297 traveled to Richmond from outside 
the MSA for the event.

   "The strong national branding of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon as 
'America's Friendliest Marathon' has resulted in an event that is 
especially successful in drawing first-time marathoners," said race 
director Tracey Russell.  "First-time marathoners not only spend a lot of 
money themselves, but they also tend to bring many friends and family 
members to town with them to cheer them on."

   The 2006 SunTrust Richmond Marathon will take place on Saturday, 
November 11, 2006.  Registration is available at www.richmondmarathon.com.  
The registration fee for the marathon is currently $75 while the NTELOS 8k 
is $25 and the Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run costs $15.  The fee for all 
three events will increase on October 1.

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