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In this edition:
Running USA Annual Marathon Report
Honda LA Marathon Announces Improvements for 2012 Event
Competitor Group Introduces TourPass for Rock 'n' Marathon Series
Freihofer's Run for Women to Launch Second Annual Training Challenge
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Nueces Endurance Trail Run, Rock Springs, TX, March 3
USA 50 Mile Trail Championships
Finish Chelsea's Run 5K, San Diego, CA, March 3
Little Rock Marathon Weekend, Little Rock, AR, March 3-4
Orange Blossom Half-Marathon & 5K, Tavares, FL, March 4
USA 50K Road Championships, Caumsett SP, NY, March 4
13.1 Miami Beach, Miami, FL, March 4
That Dam Run Half-Marathon & 5K, Denver, CO, March 4
Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon, Napa, CA, March 4
Smile Mile, Blue Jacket Park, FL, March 10
Irish for a Day 5K & TC 10 Mile, Minneapolis, MN, March 10
35th Bayou City Classic 10K, Houston, TX, March 10
Westport St. Patrick's Day Run, Kansas City, MO, March 10
35th Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon, Avalon, CA, March 10
First Watch Sarasota Half-Marathon, Sarasota, FL, March 11
Runnin' of the Green, Denver, CO, March 11
Inaugural San Jose 408K, San Jose, CA, March 11
Running USA Annual Marathon Report
Modest marathon growth in the U.S. last year, but plenty of record highs including total finishers for the classic 26.2 mile distance
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (February 26, 2012) - Over the past decade, marathons in the U.S. and worldwide have been part of the Second Running Boom's unprecedented upward trend line, and 2011 was another year of growth in U.S. marathons with an estimated record 518,000 finishers or a 2.2% increase from 2010, a modest increase compared to recent years (9.9% in 2009 and 8.6% in 2010). See U.S. marathon finisher table further below.
Part of the slowing growth for the 26.2 mile distance may be attributed to the explosive growth of the half-marathon over the past 5 years in the U.S. as runners either have moved down from their first or second marathon to the half-marathon or see the half-marathon as a more manageable, but as challenging distance for their time and aspirations. In addition, a majority of large marathons have entrant caps which - due to the Rule of Large Numbers - will impact the overall percent growth, particularly if non-capped and debut marathons don't attract a larger number of entrants compared to past years.
The following tables and lists provide a summary of the demographics and interesting statistics and trends for U.S. marathons. Per the tables below, U.S. marathon demographics - gender, age group, median age and median time - have remained static in recent years.
For the rest of the Running USA Annual Marathon Report, CLICK here.
Honda LA Marathon Announces Improvements for 2012 Event
Better raceday experience at 27th edition includes additional storage space and security for gear, enhanced traffic management at Dodger Stadium, increased weather and traffic updates
LOS ANGELES - (February 23, 2012) - The Honda LA Marathon's renowned "Stadium to the Sea" athletic experience will become even better this year, thanks to a slew of improvements that will enhance the race for athletes and spectators alike. Working with a range of specialists, the Marathon has enacted cutting-edge improvements in transportation, technology and race logistics to ensure the Sunday, March 18 event is the best Honda LA Marathon yet.
The new changes will impact several areas of critical importance to participants and observers, from providing greater, more secure storage space for athletes' gear to improving traffic flow into Dodger Stadium for the Marathon's start. The enhancements reflect the ongoing commitment of race organizers to create a top-quality marathon experience for thousands of competitors, as well as hundreds of thousands of fans who will be cheering them on.
For the third consecutive year, Marathon runners will race from Dodger Stadium to the Pacific Ocean, passing many of L.A.'s world-famous landmarks along the way. The scenic and recognizable course makes the Honda LA Marathon one of the most distinctive road races anywhere in the world.
"Each year we have an opportunity to review race day operations and to respond to the needs of our runners. From a logistical standpoint, this is the best year ever to participate in the marathon," said LA MARATHON LLC Chief Operating Officer Nick Curl.
"We've improved the organization and security of our gear check operation, worked with the Department of Transportation and Caltrans to ensure smooth traffic flow into Dodger Stadium, increased shuttle locations to the stadium, and we'll have more up-to-the-minute traffic and weather updates on race day. All of this means a more runner-friendly race."
Runners' gear that is checked at Dodger Stadium in the PODS Gear Check Zone before the start of the race will be monitored by security coordinators and then transported to the finish line in Santa Monica, where it will be retrieved in a secure runner-only area. The PODS Gear Check at Dodger Stadium will close at 6:45am to make sure that all belongings arrive at the finish line on time.
As part of an improved traffic system into Dodger Stadium, vehicles will be guided efficiently to a dedicated drop-off area and parking zone to help ensure the race starts on-time promptly at 7:24am.
"Everyone knows that traffic is always an issue in Los Angeles, but this year the Marathon has taken steps to ensure that vehicles will be moving efficiently into Dodger Stadium for the start of the race," said Curl. "We've been working with Caltrans and the Department of Transportation to ensure a smooth race morning."
Even more free shuttle buses to the starting line at Dodger Stadium will also be available this year for runners who reserve a shuttle time at registration. The shuttles will be available from 2:30-5:30am leaving Santa Monica and 5:15-6:15am from Union Station. Official Marathon hotels located in Downtown L.A. and Beverly Hills will also offer free pre and post-race shuttles for runners who booked a stay with them.
Timely, accurate traffic and weather information are critical on race day. To help keep athletes and spectators informed, there will be more live updates and tweets on the AM 570 KLAC / FOX Sports LA broadcast beginning at 5:00am, on the pre-race television broadcast on KTLA Channel 5 from 6:00-7:00am, and during the four-hour KTLA race broadcast from 7:00-11:00am. In addition, the Marathon's social media channels will be updated throughout the day to provide key race information, as well as traffic and weather updates. Look for the Honda LA Marathon page on Facebook, or follow @lamarathon on Twitter.
For more information, go to: LAmarathon.com
Competitor Group Introduces TourPass for Rock 'n' Marathon Series
Bundled registration program offers savings to repeat Rock 'n' Roll runners; program launches March1; $299 for multiple race registrations
SAN DIEGO - (February 23, 2012) - Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the leading media and event resource in the active lifestyle industry, has announced an unprecedented deal for their loyal customer base and those hoping to run multiple races this year.
TourPass will allow runners to bundle their registrations by paying a one-time fee of $299 to register for more than one event in the 2012 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series.
In 2011, nearly 22,000 participants completed more than one Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series event. About 4,000 of these participants completed three or more races.
"With so many world-class destinations and new cities like Montreal being added to the Series, TourPass allows our most loyal runners to participate again and again for one price," said Scott Dickey, President of Competitor Group. "We're proud to have passionate customers who explore the country while running our races and this is an incentive for them to continue doing so."
Registration for TourPass will launch on Thursday, March 1. In 2012, participants may register for one or more events beginning with the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon through the Latin Music Miami Beach Half Marathon for $299, plus a one-time processing fee. TourPass applies only to North American races, excluding Las Vegas. The first 250 customers will receive a free limited edition long sleeve technical tee.
Runners may choose to register for multiple events at the time of the TourPass purchase, or may register for individual events at least 30 days prior to each event. TourPass does not guarantee entries into sold-out events.
For more information, visit: www.runrocknroll.com/tourpass
Freihofer's Run for Women to Launch Second Annual Training Challenge
10-Week initiative starts March 19 and encourages FRW participants to get in shape with media celebrities Kelly Lynch, Ann Hughes and Jennifer Gish; intermediate and virtual training components added for 2012
ALBANY, N.Y. - (February 22, 2012) - Capital Region women eager to get into shape, make new friends and participate in the 34th Freihofer's Run for Women on Saturday, June 2 in downtown Albany are invited to take part in the second annual Freihofer's Training Challenge - see: www.freihofersrun.com/fc25k.htm.
Set to begin Monday, March 19 at The Crossings of Colonie, the 10-week training program offers a beginner's program for those new to running and an intermediate program for those who completed last year's challenge or want a more advanced workout.
"Last year's Training Challenge drew 400 women who jumped at the opportunity to give their motivation a boost, improve their performance and get into shape for our 5K," said longtime Event Director George Regan. "Over the past 12 months we've updated the initiative and are gearing up for an even larger group of women this year."
Through the Training Challenge, which follows the Couch-to-5K Running Plan - a popular program that teaches novice runners how to complete three miles gradually over a 10-week period - participants first register for the Run for Women ($25 through March 10). Next they register for the Training Challenge ($20), which includes choosing one of three Training Challenge teams led by media personalities Kelly Lynch (WGY-810 AM), Ann Hughes (FOX23 News) or Jennifer Gish (Times Union).
Participants then spend one day a week walking / jogging / running with their team at The Crossings of Colonie, another working out at a time that works best for them, and a third gathering for a group session led by certified coaches, personal trainers and injury prevention specialists at 8:00am Saturday mornings at a centralized location.
"One of the biggest changes we made this year to the Training Challenge is to add on a virtual training component - www.freihofersrun.com/virtual.htm," Regan continued.
"This aspect of the program is for those who can't participate in the full Training Challenge program with the coaches, or prefer to go it alone with the added motivation of having workouts waiting in their inbox each morning."
All full Training Challenge program participants receive a unique Freihofer's Run for Women Training Challenge t-shirt, access to a hospitality tent refreshment area on race day, nutritional and injury prevention tips, the virtual email program, race day recognition through branded Training Challenge bracelets, and nutritious Freihofer's products.
For more information or to register for the 2012 Freihofer's Run for Women and the second annual Training Challenge, visit www.freihofersrun.com. From the home page, link to the event's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. Questions can also be directed to the Run for Women office at (518) 273-5552.
Contact Information
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232
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