Posted: January 17, 2005

Athletics: Salt Lake City Marathon A Top National Pick For 2005

From: Karen Boe

Runner's World, Competitor and Rocky Mountain Sports List SLC in Top Marathons

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - January 12, 2005) - The Salt Lake City Marathon was among 12 new favorites listed by Runner's World in the 2005 Marathon Guide in their January article: "Small Wonders: Big Fun, Big Scenery, Big Rewards." January's Competitor Magazine and Rocky Mountain Sports Magazine both tout Salt Lake City as the "Best Race at Altitude."

"We are thrilled to be recognized by the national sports press. We've heard very positive feedback from last year's participants and we have big plans in store to offer runners a thrilling experience in 2005," said Greg Reid, Race Director. It is expected that total participant numbers from last year will more than double on the second annual running on April 23, 2005.

Runner's World author Bart Yasso states: "After Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, the city wanted to put on another world-class event, and in 2004, the Salt Lake City Marathon made its debut. In April, you get a great view of the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains while you run through the valley's floor in spring bloom. The relatively flat, net-descent loop starts at the Olympic Legacy Bridge at the University of Utah, the site of the Olympic Village, at 4,800 feet. The course goes through city parks and heads south, with the Wasatch Mountains on the left, to the halfway point, then swings back through residential neighborhoods before finishing at the Olympic Legacy Plaza. Participants get a long-sleeve technical T-shirt. Take a nap before the evening's post-race party - last year the B-52's provided the "boogie." If your legs are up for it, you can even do the "bump" to complete the race theme of 'Run, Bump & Boogie'"

Both Competitor Magazine and Rocky Mountain Sports call Salt Lake City the "Best Race at Altitude". "Yes, the air is thin...but the vociferous encouragement may make you forget. This town took the race as its own and made it special. Special included a finish through the Olympic Plaza and boisterous crowds, in addition to race management that sweated the details."

The second annual Salt Lake City Marathon & 5K "Run, Bump & Boogie" will be held on April 23, 2005. Online registration is available at www.saltlakecitymarathon.com. With a 25 percent increase in the prize purse to $125,000, this race is expected to attract even greater attention from world-class runners around the globe. The website has easy-to-use registration forms, training information, travel and accommodation links, special stories and photographs from the inaugural event. In addition, participants can find course maps and details on the entire weekend of festivities. The Devine Racing offices are located at 136 E South Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. For race information, contact Greg Reid, Race Director at (801) 412-6087 or greid@devinerace.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.