Posted: January 6, 2004

Athletics: Columbus Mayor Unveils Plans for Inaugural Capital City Half Marathon

COLUMBUS, Ohio - (January 6, 2004) - Columbus Mayor, Michael B. Coleman and John "The Penguin" Bingham today introduced plans for The Inaugural Capital City Half Marathon to be held April 3, 2004 in downtown Columbus. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Capital City Kids, Mayor Coleman's after school program for Columbus youth.

"The Inaugural Capital City Half Marathon gives Columbus residents a new way to shape up and Commit to Be Fit," said Mayor Coleman. "We are excited to bring the Half Marathon into our downtown and want to see residents get involved with the training program, the 5K Run/Walk and the Kids Run/Mascot Chase. Now's a great time to start training for better health for adults and children of all ages. We are proud to welcome this world class event to our world class city, and I would like to invite everyone to join me April 3rd in Columbus' beautiful Arena District for the Inaugural Capital City Half Marathon."

"The city of Columbus has special meaning for me," said Capital City Half Marathon founder, John "The Penguin" Bingham. "I ran my first marathon here in 1993. My life changed in the moment I crossed the finish line and I want to bring that same opportunity to others." Once a 240-pound smoking, drinking, couch potato, Bingham is now the most widely read running author in the world with a monthly column in Runner's World magazine and four best selling books, including "No Need for Speed".

Starting and finishing at the Promowest Pavilion in The Arena District, The Inaugural Capital City Half Marathon will wind through scenic and historic areas of downtown Columbus, Victorian Village, The Short North and German Village. The festivities will continue with a post-event celebration at Promowest Pavilion.

For more information on the Capital City Half Marathon or to register on-line, log on to: www.columbusdistanceclassic.com.