FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gerry Beagan
(401) 885-4499
osm26@ids.net
Ocean State Marathon Won't Be Run In 2004
New Providence Half Marathon Scheduled
The Ocean State Marathon, which has been contested annually in Rhode Island
since 1993, will not be run in 2004 due, primarily, to declining entry
field numbers and diminishing sponsorship revenue. Marathon organizers will
present a half marathon under the title sponsorship of Cerrone Auto Group
of South Attleboro, MA, the presenting sponsor of this year's marathon
which was run in Providence on October 12.
"We are no longer able to justify the considerable expense of sponsorship
funds in the face of dwindling participation in the marathon," said Gerry
Beagan, race director. "There were several factors involved in the decline
of the entry fields over the past few years but none of those were due to
lack of sponsor willingness to enthusiastically support the event. As an
organization we believe it imprudent to continue to produce an event that
does not reward sponsor partnership with a more robust participant field of
runners."
The new event, entitled the Cerrone Providence Half Marathon, will be run
on Sunday, September 26 over a slightly modified version of the 13.1 mile
course run last year with a start at the State Capitol and a finish at the
Rhode Island Convention Center.
"We believe the introduction of a national class half marathon is certain
to be very well received in Providence and will be a superb tune-up race
for runners training for the autumn slate of marathons. The entry numbers
from the half marathon component of this year's event were very encouraging
and we expect to generate a substantial increase," Beagan said.
"Additionally, we will be able to reinstate a substantial prize money purse
that is essential to attracting elite runners to provide the excitement of
their athletic excellence over a very fast course entirely within the
city."
The new half marathon has a sponsorship commitment from the Providence
Phoenix and organizers will be actively seeking active partnerships from
sponsors locally, regionally and nationally.
For more information and to request entry forms contact the Providence Half
Marathon at 401-885-4499 or by mail to Providence Half Marathon, PO Box
40718, Providence, RI 02940.
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