Posted: March 13, 2005

Athletics: Premier Event Management Announces the Inaugural Dannon Alpharetta Half Marathon

Premier Event Management in conjunction with the Dannon Company, Kroger, the City of Alpharetta, Georgia and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced the inaugural running of the Alpharetta Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday, October 23, 2005. This new fitness weekend will be open to all runners, walkers and physically challenged athletes wishing to set a new personal goal for the half-marathon distance.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to work with our many sponsors, city officials and tourism officials on the newest fitness event to hit the north Georgia area," stated Bill Burke, president and event organizer for Premier Event Management. "The weekend will be full of fitness, fun and music as competitors from across the region converge north of Atlanta in the city of Alpharetta for this inaugural event."

The weekend's activities will kick off with the two day Kroger Fitness Expo at the Embassy Suites Hotel, located at 5955 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta. The latest in running and fitness apparel will be on display at the expo. The Kroger Fitness Expo will be held on Friday, October 21, 2005 from 2:00-8:00pm and Saturday, October 22, 2005 from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

The following day at 7:00am the inaugural running of the 2005 Dannon Alpharetta Half Marathon will take place. A $10,000 prize purse will be awarded to the top 10 male and female competitors crossing the finish line in the North Point Mall Complex. After the race, competitors will be directed to the food court of North Point Mall for the Kroger Food Fest complete with live entertainment, food and refreshments for all. At 11:15am, the official awards celebration will take place at the North Point Mall Food Court.

Presenting sponsors who will join title sponsor The Dannon Company are Kroger Food Stores, the City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Supporting sponsors include Gatorade, The Embassy Suites Hotel, Active.com and Brightroom Photographers.

For registration information and more, please visit the official website at www.runalpharetta.com.

For further information about Premier Event Management, 2005 Dannon Alpharetta Half Marathon or sponsorship opportunities, contact Bill Burke at Premier Event Management, 3829 Veterans Blvd, Suite 102, Metairie, LA 70002, (866) 454-6561, .

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.