FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                 Contact: Greg McMillan 
                                          (877) 478-4265
                                          
                                                  

                   Austin Marathon Foundation Announces 
          Freescale Austin Marathon Olympic Development Program


AUSTIN, Texas - (October 27, 2005) - The Austin Marathon Foundation has 
announced that the Freescale Austin Marathon - slated for February 19, 2006 
- is implementing a unique and innovative support program for athletes 
trying to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Trials. 

Offering perfect running weather, a supportive race staff and a new, faster 
course, the Freescale Austin Marathon offers a great opportunity for 
Olympic Trials hopefuls to attain the qualifying standard early in the 
qualifying period. The dreams for future Olympians start in Austin.

Austin is FAST
The Austin Marathon course was always fast but now it's even faster! For 
the 2006 race, the course has been modified to make it even faster. The end 
result is a rolling net downhill course that includes gentle down hills and 
long flat sections as well as a few gradual inclines to provide variety - 
the perfect situation to help athletes run fast.

Austin is Cool
Austin, Texas is one of the best winter running sites in the U.S. Offering 
an average temperature of 55 degrees, Austin's mid-February weather is 
ideal for fast marathoning. 

How the Elite Athlete Program Works
Any U.S. athlete who has run under 2:30:00 (men) or 3:00:00 (women) in the 
last 3 years qualifies for the program. Proof of performance is required.

A Qualified Athlete Receives:
1) Complimentary Entry into the 2006 Freescale Austin Marathon

2) Help in identifying support for travel and lodging. [Athletes who have 
run under 2:20:00 (men), 2:40:00 (women), 2:25:00 (masters men) and 2:50:00 
(masters women) are eligible for support through the traditional Freescale 
Austin Marathon elite athlete program.] 

3) Special program events to include hospitality, technical race meeting 
and other events to support athletes in their quest

4) Special transport to the starting line as well as exclusive warm-up area 
with private restrooms

5) Priority starting corral allowing the warm-up and starting position 
necessary for a great race

6) Pacing - There will be 4 pace groups taking athletes thru at least the 
half-marathon. There will be a pace group for each of the standards 
(2:20:00, 2:22:00, 2:39:00, 2:47:00)

7) A fast USATF certified point-to-point course and ideal weather! 

The Freescale Austin Marathon is committed to doing everything possible to 
help U.S. athletes attain the Olympic Trials standard. For more information 
about the Freescale Austin Marathon Olympic Development Program, contact 
Greg McMillan at  or (877) 478-4265. 

For more information about the Freescale Austin Marathon, go to: 
www.FreescaleAustinMarathon.com



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