FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Running Stories Worth Up To 26.2% Registration Discount at Spring Marathon
Promotion Rewards Amateurs with Interesting and Inspirational Anecdotes Related to Completing 13.1 or 26.2 Miles at 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
(Sept. 15, 2008, ATLANTA, Ga.) – In the past two years some of the most triumphant tales of achievement from the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon had no connection between runners and record times. Rather, participants shared stories that went beyond the field of competition to inspirational victories of losing more than 100 pounds, of completing a 100th marathon, of covering miles for a loved one, and of using prosthetics in a successful test of endurance. For runners, walkers and wheelers who will share their compelling inspirational and encouraging stories of why they want to participate at this event on Sunday, March 29, 2009, race organizers will offer an “Every Runner Has a Story” discount on registration fees: a 13.1% discount for 13.1 miles and a 26.2% discount for 26.2 miles.
“Our race is now a solid fixture on the running calendar for the spring. About this time each year, about six months out, is the perfect time for recreational athletes to make a special commitment for our marathon. What we find rewarding is that our event provides a finish line for so much more than just a race, but a compelling reason to achieve personal goals of fitness, well-being and teamwork. And this is just a small way we can say ‘thank you’ in return for making the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon a special event,” said Victoria Seahorn, race director with US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, which owns and operates the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.
Early registration for the half marathon and wheelchair half marathon is $60 through Dec 31, 2008; the registration will increase to $75 from Jan. 1 to March 18, 2009. Early registration for the marathon is $80 through Dec 31, 2008; the registration will be $95 from Jan. 1 to March 18, 2009. The Every Runner Has a Story promotional discount is valid through September 30, 2008. The half marathon entry fee would be $52.14, reflecting a savings of $7.86. The marathon entry fee would be $59.04, reflecting a savings of $20.96.
To share a personal story for “Every Runner Has a Story”, applicants are asked to send a short description via email to Director of Race Operation Stacy Embretson (stacy@inggeorgiamarathon.com), along with name, address and daytime telephone number. Applicants will be sent a discount code that can be used with the event registration form. And stories that could help inspire others will be posted on the event Web site, www.inggeorgiamarathon.com. Embretson recommends that each personal story should answer a question, such as:
- Why did you select running to honor a friend/family member?
- How will this event help you overcome a personal obstacle?
- What is your main challenge to crossing the finish line?
The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon has had 14,000 or more registered runners each of the past two years. According to Running USA, the 13,730 runners who participated in the inaugural 2007 marathon and half marathon (15,000 registered) were part of the second largest inaugural combo running event of all time. The inaugural event had a completion rate of 97% and the 2008 event had a 99% completion rate.
“We expect the event to sell out this year with 15,000 registrations. Last year’s new start and finish area in Centennial Olympic Park and the 26 hydration stations were a hit with participants,” added Seahorn. The 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon will offer a two-day Health & Wellness Expo in downtown Atlanta, with Centennial Olympic Park hosting the start/finish line and race-day activities.
About the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
The 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, to be held on Sunday, March 29, is Georgia’s picturesque, springtime, neighborhood–based distance combo event. Beginning at Centennial Olympic Park, it will travel through 26.2 miles (and 13.1 miles for the half marathon) of Metro Atlanta area’s most interesting and historic areas including the Sweet Auburn District, Inman Park, Midtown, Downtown and the city of Decatur. Along the way it will pass landmarks including the King Center, and Carter Center, before returning to Centennial Olympic Park for the finish. A limit of 15,000 registrations will be accepted for the 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. The event is managed by US Road Sports of Georgia and owned by its parent company, US Road Sports & Entertainment Group. More information is available at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com,
About ING
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million residential, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of about 130,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.
In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com.
About US Road Sports & Entertainment
US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, LP is a Dallas-based company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events. The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city’s culture, identity and brand. For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health, and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun. US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.
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Editor’s Note: September 27 marks six months to go to the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.
Key Web Address:
ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon: www.inggeorgiamarathon.com
Media Contacts
Jenny Schmitt Jackie Tyson
CloudSpark Peloton Sports
p: 404-421-8323 p: 678-362-6228
e: jenny@cloudspark.com e: jbt@pelotonsports.net
