Posted: November 1, 2005

Athletics: Austin Marathon Foundation Announces Freescale Austin Marathon Olympic Development Program

AUSTIN, Texas - (October 27, 2005) - The Austin Marathon Foundation has announced that the Freescale Austin Marathon - slated for February 19, 2006 - is implementing a unique and innovative support program for athletes trying to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Trials.

Offering perfect running weather, a supportive race staff and a new, faster course, the Freescale Austin Marathon offers a great opportunity for Olympic Trials hopefuls to attain the qualifying standard early in the qualifying period. The dreams for future Olympians start in Austin.

Austin is FAST

The Austin Marathon course was always fast but now it's even faster! For the 2006 race, the course has been modified to make it even faster. The end result is a rolling net downhill course that includes gentle down hills and long flat sections as well as a few gradual inclines to provide variety - the perfect situation to help athletes run fast.

Austin is Cool

Austin, Texas is one of the best winter running sites in the U.S. Offering an average temperature of 55 degrees, Austin's mid-February weather is ideal for fast marathoning.

How the Elite Athlete Program Works

Any U.S. athlete who has run under 2:30:00 (men) or 3:00:00 (women) in the last 3 years qualifies for the program. Proof of performance is required.

A Qualified Athlete Receives:
1) Complimentary Entry into the 2006 Freescale Austin Marathon
2) Help in identifying support for travel and lodging. [Athletes who have run under 2:20:00 (men), 2:40:00 (women), 2:25:00 (masters men) and 2:50:00 (masters women) are eligible for support through the traditional Freescale Austin Marathon elite athlete program.]
3) Special program events to include hospitality, technical race meeting and other events to support athletes in their quest
4) Special transport to the starting line as well as exclusive warm-up area with private restrooms
5) Priority starting corral allowing the warm-up and starting position necessary for a great race
6) Pacing - There will be 4 pace groups taking athletes thru at least the half-marathon. There will be a pace group for each of the standards (2:20:00, 2:22:00, 2:39:00, 2:47:00)
7) A fast USATF certified point-to-point course and ideal weather!

The Freescale Austin Marathon is committed to doing everything possible to help U.S. athletes attain the Olympic Trials standard. For more information about the Freescale Austin Marathon Olympic Development Program, contact Greg McMillan at greg@freescaleaustinmarathon.com or (877) 478-4265.

For more information about the Freescale Austin Marathon, go to: FreescaleAustinMarathon.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.