FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

         Columbia City Gears Up for 3rd Annual Veteran's Marathon

COLUMBIA CITY (November 4, 2011) – Columbia City area businesses and 
residents are busy gearing up for the 3rd Annual Veteran's Marathon 
scheduled for Saturday November 12th at 8:00am in downtown Columbia City, 
IN. 

In it's third year and growing the Veteran's Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K 
race, that begins and ends at the courthouse square, is bring excitement to 
downtown Columbia City and rural Whitley County. Race director Gary Bird 
said "We are expecting more than 800 runners this year with even more 
registered to run the full marathon course than in 2010". "We are finally 
gaining momentum and community support as our event grows larger every 
year" continued Bird. 

Runners from over 20 states and as far away as California are signed up to 
participate including many veterans and currently enlisted service 
individuals. One special race participant will attempt to tackle the entire 
course in full combat gear while many runners will carry the American flag 
during their run. 

The Veteran's Marathon and Half Marathon course has proven to be fast and 
smooth with a similar climb in elevation to the New York City Marathon. 
Registered as a Boston Marathon qualifier, many runners will attempt to 
secure a sacred spot in the legendary race this Saturday. In past years the 
Veteran's Marathon has been one of the highest qualifying marathon races in 
the United States with approximately 21% of the runners achieving their 
qualifying time in Columbia City.

More than 300 volunteers from 35 nonprofit organizations and businesses 
have committed to volunteering throughout the weekend. The race committee 
would like to encourage the community to come downtown to the courthouse 
and cheer on the runners as they attempt to achieve their personal goals. 
Local entertainment will be provided and many downtown businesses will be 
open throughout the day. 

The 2011 special services honoree will be the Marine Corps. Members of the 
American Legion Color Guard will be on hand Saturday morning for a special 
dedication and opening ceremony with performances from the Columbia City 
High School marching band. The Whitko High School marching band will 
performing on Towerview Drive as the runners head out of town.  

Residents along the course are encouraged to become familiar with the route 
and be aware of restricted road access during race hours of 8:00am and 
2:00pm. For the safety of the runners it is requested that you please 
remove your trash receptacles from the street and secure any pets. 

More information on the race is available at www.veteransmarathon.com

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