Athletics: Edmonton to host IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in October 2005

Three national road races set to test the course

EDMONTON - It was nearly a year-and-a-half ago, in Monte Carlo, that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced that Edmonton would host another IAAF event. This time, and for only the second time in North America, the 14th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships are coming to Edmonton, Alberta and Canada on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2005.

"The IAAF was so impressed with the job the city, the province and Canada did in hosting the World Championships in Athletics in August 2001 that they were very interested in bringing a major event back of Edmonton," Local Organizing Committee Chair Daryl Wilson said. "We'll be welcoming the world - yet again - in a year-and-a-half! 2005 is such an important year for the province as we celebrate Alberta's centennial and, the World Masters Games take place in Edmonton in July. It really is going to be an extraordinary year."

Given the Province's impressive track record of hosting world class athletic competitions, the province's minister of community development, Gene Zwozdesky, anticipates that these championships will further elevate Edmonton and Alberta on the world stage. "Alberta has an enviable reputation for staging world-class events. With support from our outstanding corporate and business community, along with our incredible volunteer base, I know Edmonton will host one of the best-ever World Half Marathon championships," said Zwozdesky. "This prestigious event will showcase our citizens, our communities and our pride as Alberta celebrates its 100th birthday."

It's expected that nearly 300 athletes from more than 60 countries will be in Edmonton in October 2005 competing for a total purse of $192,500 (U.S.). The top six male finishers will split $70,000 (U.S.) as will the top six female finishers, and the top six teams will share $52,500 (U.S.).

Organizers also anticipate thousands of spectators lining the route to watch the Championships. Taking place entirely in the city's gorgeous river valley, the twice around, 21.1 km course is flat and fast.

"When it comes to hosting major events, Edmonton has an unbeatable track record," said Mayor Bill Smith. "The 14th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in 2005 will further cement our reputation for excellence in the international sports scene. This is a terrific opportunity for Alberta's capital city to shine during our province's centennial year. We look forward to welcoming the world to this exciting event."

The first of three tests of the course will be held on May 16, 2004 at the inaugural Energy Capital Half Marathon, designated by Athletics Canada as the first ever Canadian Half Marathon Championships. The other two national events will be staged in May and July of 2005.

"Athletics Canada is very excited and pleased to be a part of this event," said chief operating officer Joanne Mortimore. "We know the organizing committee and the City of Edmonton will do an outstanding job as they did for the 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics. We'll do everything we can to have our team ready for 2005."

Runners of all abilities will run along side Canada's best half marathoners. The top five Canadian male and female finishers will compete for a total of $13,000 (CDN) in prize money and represent Canada in New Delhi, India at the 13th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004.

The Energy Capital Half Marathon will offer participants an opportunity to compete in three distinct distances:

· The People's Race - a 21.1 km. half marathon (The top male and female finishers will be designated Canadian champions)
· Half the Half - a 10.5 km. challenge
· Half Pint Kid's Race - a FREE 2 km. 'race' for youngsters

Full details on the Energy Capital Half Marathon including registration information are available at www.runningroom.com.