Posted: February 23, 2005

Athletics: Run For Your Life Announces Date For 2005 Charlotte Marathon

Charlotte, NC – The City of Charlotte has granted a parade permit to Run For Your Life and Event Marketing Services, Inc. to host a marathon on Saturday, December 10, 2005.

Tim Rhodes, owner of Run For Your Life and president of Event Marketing Services, Inc., presented a first draft of an all-new marathon route to Charlotte transportation and public safety officials yesterday.

“They were very enthusiastic about the course and its route through some of Charlotte’s most unique neighborhoods,” says Rhodes, who describes the new course as both scenic and challenging.

The 26.2-mile marathon course will start and finish in uptown Charlotte, and wind its way through neighborhoods in both Myers Park and Dilworth. And for the first time ever, a Charlotte marathon course will include the Eastover, Plaza-Midwood and North Davidson areas. An official marathon course map will be announced in the near future.

Rhodes says he also plans to offer a $25,000 purse as a “development prize” to up-and-coming American distance runners who enter the race.

“This is a way to literally invest in the future of American distance running and attract future U.S. Olympic team hopefuls to Charlotte,” says Rhodes.

The event will also feature a 10K run/walk and marathon relay in order to offer something for most everyone. Rhodes says his first-year expectation is to host 2,500 marathoners and another 2,500 for the relay and 10K.

A theme for the marathon is still under wraps, but Rhodes insists it will reflect some of the images that make Charlotte special.

Next steps include securing the necessary sponsorship to make the event a reality in 2005, and defining a local charity that can benefit from it – and help provide the army of volunteers needed on race day.

“At this point, we are very happy that the City has embraced the idea of bringing a world-class marathon to Charlotte,” adds Rhodes.

Run For Your Life is the southeast’s largest running specialty store with three locations in Charlotte – historic Dilworth, Stonecrest and in the University area. More information about the upcoming marathon will be posted at www.runforyourlife.com.

Event Marketing Services, Inc. is the area’s premier running event company, offering event planning, timing and scoring for over 60 events each year.