Posted: May 2, 2006

Athletics: Salt Lake City Marathon Announces New Community Cup Challenge

Four cities to compete in a challenge to bring in the most participants

Salt Lake City, May 2, 2006 –Organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon announced today a new Challenge which will encourage and award participation of local communities. Salt Lake City, Murray City, Holladay and South Salt Lake will compete against each other in the “Community Cup Challenge,” to see which township can register the most participants.

“We invited the Mayor from each community along our course to participate in this challenge,” stated Scott Kerr, Vice President of the Salt Lake City Marathon. “We are particularly pleased and appreciative they could all be here today to participate in this unique challenge.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson asked Murray City Mayor Daniel Snarr, South Salt Lake Mayor Robert Gray and Holladay Mayor Dennis Webb to join him in this competition to get as much local support as possible. “As the spectacular Salt Lake City Marathon grows, we encourage all Salt Lake Valley citizens to experience the excitement of this nationally-renowned event,” stated Mayor Anderson.

Designed to accommodate athletes of all skill levels, the Salt Lake City Marathon has an opportunity for every local resident. With the newly added Half Marathon to the Marathon, Bike Tour, 5k and Intermountain Kids Marathon, anyone from the amateur cyclist to the seasoned runner can participate.

At the close of registration on June 2nd, the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon will tally up, by zip code, how many residents signed up in each event from each city. The winning city will be announced that night at the Awards Ceremony and be presented with the “Community Cup”. The winning city will also be awarded “bragging rights” for the next year.

Mayors Anderson, Gray, Webb and Snarr are all confident they’ll walk away with “bragging rights,” as each stated they are sure their respective communities will win this challenge.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon has declared the first weekend of every June, “Official Marathon Weekend.” “By adding this destination Marathon to a growing list of national and international sports competitions, we enhance Utah’s position as a leader in the international sports community,” he added.

The Salt Lake City Marathon is dedicated to creating a community event as well as a nationally recognized one. “We want all the local communities to join us as we strive to create one of the most spectacular road races in the country,” said Kerr.

Residents can also get involved in the Salt Lake City Marathon by volunteering during race weekend. There are over 30 different options of opportunities available for individuals and groups.

The Salt Lake City Marathon will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2006. To register for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour or 5k, please visit SaltLakeCityMarathon.com or call 412-6090.

About Salt Lake City Marathon
Salt Lake City Marathon has become one of the most spectacular new marathons on the endurance racing circuit. 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.” The Devine offices are located at 136 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. For race information, contact Scott Kerr at (801) 412-6060.

About Devine
Devine is a brand name synonymous with excellence in endurance sports, education and training. The Chicago-based company has fast been building a national reputation for acquiring and managing world-class amateur athletic events. The Devine portfolio currently includes the Los Angeles Marathon, the ‘New’ Las Vegas Marathon, the Salt Lake City Marathon and the Chicago Half Marathon.

Established in 2003 to bring a new level of quality and professionalism to amateur road racing events in major market cities, the President/CEO is Steve Miller, former Nike Director of Global Sports Marketing.

The focus at Devine is to create community for runners and endurance athletes. Committed to the celebration on individual accomplishment, Devine believes it has the responsibility to deliver the highest level of professional service in the industry – for participants, sponsors and the communities where races are held.

Information about all Devine properties, as well as access to unparalleled industry information, can be obtained at www.devinesports.com or by calling 312/640-9700.

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