FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2003 TWIN CITIES MARATHON REGISTRATION KICK-OFF PARTY
New Clydesdale and Athena divisions highlight 2003 race
Minneapolis, Minnesota - April 11, 2003 - In recent years, entering a
marathon has been a race in itself: last year, registration for Twin Cities
Marathon closed in 14 days. So put on those running shoes and get
registered early for the 2003 version at TCM's fifth annual Registration
Kick-Off Party Wednesday, April 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the new TCM office
headquarters, 4050 Olson Memorial Highway, Minneapolis. Participants must
be present to register and registrations will be processed with cash, check
or money order. On-line and paper registration begins May 1.
The race, scheduled for October 5, 2003, is expected to draw more than
8,500 athletes this year, and getting a jump on registration will ensure
early-birds a spot in the race, according to Dan Finanger, TCM Executive
Director. "Our kick-off party has become a tradition. Attendance has nearly
doubled each year. Because we are a Twin Cities community driven event, it
is important for us to show our appreciation to local participants by
offering them the first opportunity to register."
Over 1,500 kick-off party attendees are expected at the event, which will
provide the opportunity to meet TCM President Ron Abrahamson, TCM board
members, Executive Director Dan Finanger, staff and volunteers. As well,
the TCM Community Partners program, presented by Seagate Technology will
award two high school student-athletes with the 2003 TCM Scholarship.
The kick-off party, co-sponsored by GEAR Running Store of Edina and LIFE
TIME FITNESS will offer shopping and running opportunities. The "GEAR-up
for TCM sale" can assist runners with most of their pre-season running
attire needs. LIFE TIME FITNESS, the official health and fitness company
of TCM, will be on hand with information regarding its comprehensive
Marathon Training Program and Running Club. The program is designed to
meet the needs of beginning and veteran marathoners. The LIFE TIME FITNESS
Running Club will lead group runs through the trails surrounding the TCM
office at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Team USA Minnesota athletes will be in
attendance for group runs and available for training tips.
Additional partners represented at the kick-off party will include Clif
Bar, Glenwood Inglewood Spring Water, POWERade, Pearson's Candy and Waste
Management.
New TCM Race Divisions
For the first time, TCM will offer divisions for runners with a few more
pounds on them. The New Day Athena Division, presented by New Day Weight
Management, is targeted for females who weigh 150+ pounds. The inaugural
Clydesdale Division is offered to males who weigh 200+ pounds. "We are
proud to be associated with a marathon that has enabled so many individuals
to change their lifestyles in such a positive way," says Ira Rosen, founder
of New Day Weight Management Clinics. "Offering these participants a
chance to compete in their own division presents an opportunity for them to
be competitive within a field of several thousand by running with others
who are closer to their body weight."
The 2003 Twin Cities Marathon weekend is October 3-5. The three-day
weekend celebration of fitness includes a 5K fun run/walk, children's fun
runs, pasta dinner, two-day health and fitness expo and a 10-mile race in
addition to the marathon. Twin Cities Marathon continues its 12th
consecutive year as the designated USATF National Masters Championship for
men and women. Major corporate sponsors for the marathon are Cub Foods and
Seagate Technology. The major media sponsors are KARE 11 and Cities 97.
Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is a non-profit organization that directs the
TCM weekend as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Visit us at www.twincitiesmarathon.org.
# # #
|
