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

                SunTrust Richmond Marathon Growth Up 60%
Increase in Sports Backers Marathon Training Team participation aids jump


RICHMOND, VA –Entry numbers for the November 12 SunTrust Richmond Marathon 
are soaring, up 60% over this time last year, it was announced today. The 
2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon boasts 1,340 registrants, an increase of 
502 over the same time period in 2004, when the event went on to attract a 
record 4,221 entrants (a 17% increase over 2003).

Fueling some of the growth has been an incr ease in the number of 
registrants in the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team. The 25-week 
program that provides a hands-on, group approach to prepare runners for the 
SunTrust Richmond Marathon began on May 21. More than 670 participants are 
currently enrolled in the program, over 130 more than last year. Online 
registration for the program closes this Friday, June 3.

"We’re thrilled with this year’s growth of both the SunTrust Richmond 
Marathon itself and the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team," said Tracey 
Russell, the race's executive director. "The branding of the race as 
'America's Friendliest Marathon' has  really resonated with runners
around the country and locally the training team has developed an 
outstanding reputation.  It's great to see so many local first-time 
marathoners eagerly preparing for this year's event."

The exceptional rate of growth is nothing new for the SunTrust Richmond 
Marathon.  Running USA's Road Running Information Center recently announced 
that the marathons with the most consistent growth in the last 5 years are 
Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank (up by 63% from 2000), SunTrust Richmond 
(up 60%) and Philadelphia (up 47%).

Media seeking more information may contact Scott Schricker at (804) 
285-9495.


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