Posted: September 29, 2005

Athletics: ING Miami Marathon Registration Numbers Increase By Eighty-Six Percent, Entry Fees Going Up On September 30

Organizers Begin North American Marketing Blitz, Half Marathon Expected To Close Early

MIAMI (September 28, 2005) – As marathon season gears up, organizers of the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon are excited to announce a huge boost in registration for the 2006 race. Twenty-eight weeks since registration opened, application numbers have increased by 86% compared to the same timeframe last year. After establishing a foundation for a successful race the past three years, PR Racing expects a modest increase in participants, a notion strongly based on the increased marketing and the addition of ING as title sponsor, a name synonymous with marquis running events like the ING New York City Marathon. Over the next couple of months, staff from PR Racing will continue a strong marketing push by attending marathon expos throughout North America, reaching a quarter of a million runners from across the world.

With over 500 people registered in the past week, early indications suggest that Miami and Miami Beach will host 10,000 runners for the first time in South Florida’s history. The registration boom is attributed to increased exposure for the race and the continued positive word of mouth spread throughout the international running community. This year, several large training groups such as Train to End Stroke have chosen Miami as their race destination for winter, drawing hundreds of runners raising money for charities. “At this point, 54% of registered runners will be running Miami for the first time,” said Course Director Frankie Ruiz, noting that return runners shouldn’t wait to register. “The original plan was to get one runner on our course, let them enjoy a piece of paradise in Miami and Miami, award them the famous “spinning palm” medal and welcome them back the following year with a friend at their side. Instead, all of our runners are coming back with two friends.”

With the start of October, organizers will attend some of the largest marathons in the world to recruit new runners by promoting one of the top winter races. Armed with thousands of brochures, a huge course map, and a lively crew wearing catchy “I am running…” shirts, PR Racing will meet face to face with runners in Toronto, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Disney, and other major races. “The website and emails help inform the runners, but when we show them the medal, the course map, and a friendly face, they have a hard time turning down Miami in the winter,” explained Danny Elfenbein, Marketing Manager. “This marathon gives runners everything they want- a world class race, world class support, and the coolest medal in the business.”

Registration fees for the marathon and half marathon, which are among the lowest in the industry, will be increasing after September 30 and it is strongly recommended that interested runners or walkers register soon. Additionally, organizers are warning half-marathoners that the 13.1 mile race will likely sell out in December, a month before the event. The marathon is currently $65 and the half-marathon is $40. For more information call 305-278-8668 or logon to www.INGMiamiMarathon.com.