DETROIT, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunday, October 18(th) is the running of the
32nd annual Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon. For the first time ever,
entries for the marathon, half marathon and relay have sold out, and race
organizers anticipate more than 18,000 runners participating on race day.
Onsite medical care for the runners will be provided for the first time by the
Detroit Medical Center. The DMC is the largest health care provider in
southeast Michigan, and provides the orthopedic coverage for Michigan's
professional sports teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons
and Shock.
Pat Ball, Race Director said, "In spite of our troubled economy, it is a
testament to the extraordinary power behind training to run a marathon that we
continue to break registration records. The support of Flagstar and our many
other sponsors, charity partners and volunteers, is what makes our weekend of
events a reality - year after year!"
Fourteen former contestants of NBC's hit reality television show "The Biggest
Loser" are entered into the half marathon, including the winner of last
season, Helen Philips. Since losing 147 pounds on the show, Philips travels
the country speaking with groups on fitness, nutrition and leading a healthier
lifestyle. NBC film crews will be on hand interviewing the former contestants
for a special that will air later this fall.
New this year will be "Conquered," the official marathon after party,
featuring live performances from Brian Vander Ark, lead singer of The Verve
Pipe, Killer Flamingos and Brandon Calhoon. Local food vendors and other
entertainment will also be present. This event is free to the public.
The weekend of race activities kicks off with the Health and Fitness Expo,
presented by Whole Foods Market, beginning on October 16 in the Oakland Hall
at the Cobo Center. All race participants must check in there prior to Sunday
morning to collect their race number and t-shirt.
Registration is still open for the Fun Run and Fitness Walk, and those
interested can register at the expo on Friday and Saturday for $40 for adults,
$25 for high school and junior high school students, and $20 for children.
The Health and Fitness Expo is open from 3 PM to 8 PM on Friday, October 16,
and from 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturday October 18. The start of the marathon is
scheduled for 7:15 Sunday morning, and roads that are closed for the course
are scheduled to reopen by 2 PM.
For more information on the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon, course and
its associated events, go to www.freepmarathon.com.
Detroit Media Partnership, L.P. manages the business functions of the Detroit
Free Press and The Detroit News. As the largest newspapers in Michigan, with
two of the most visited Web sites in the market, the Free Press and The News
combine to reach a weekly audience of 2.1 million people; 56% of adults in
this market see our products.* Detroit Media Partnership is also the
advertising sales agent for the following suburban Detroit publications:
Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, Novi News, Milford Times, Northville Record,
South Lyon Herald and Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. Gannett Co.,
Inc., owner of the Free Press, is the general partner in DMP; MediaNews Group,
owner of The News, is the limited partner
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
