FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kim Roberson
Public Relations Coordinator
Marine Corps Marathon
Phone: (703) 784-2225 x 296
E-mail: robersonks@nt.quantico.usmc.mil
WHO: 28th Annual Marine Corps Marathon
WHAT: The first of six lottery drawings to begin registration for the
28th Annual Marine Corps Marathon
WHERE: www.marinemarathon.com.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 15, 2003, and each subsequent Tuesday through
May 20, 2003
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
The Marine Corps Marathon is open for on-line registration until
Monday, May 19, 2003. Runners who are interested in registering for the
28th Annual Marine Corps Marathon are invited to visit
www.marinemarathon.com to register. Lottery drawings will be held
every Tuesday for the next six weeks beginning this Tuesday, April 15,
2003.
Names not drawn in the first lottery drawing will be eligible for each
subsequent drawing until registration is closed and the last lottery
drawing is held on Tuesday, May 20, 2003. Registration for the 28th Annual
Marine Corps Marathon costs $80. Runners will not be charged until their
name is selected for entry.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As millions of Americans spend their tax day filling out their 1040's,
thousands of runners from across the United States and the world will be
looking for an e-mail in their mailbox saying they have been chosen to run
in the 28th Annual Marine Corps Marathon. For the third year, the Marine
Corps Marathon will be using an on-line lottery system to select the men
and women who will participate in "The People's Marathon" on Sunday,
October 26, 2003.
By the time the six lottery drawings are complete on Tuesday, May 20, 2003,
more than 18,000 people from all 50 states and dozens of countries will be
registered to run Washington's oldest and best known marathon and one of
the most popular marathon races in the world. Race Director Rick Nealis
will call the first person drawn in the lottery, welcoming them to the
Marine Corps Marathon family. Thousands of other hopefuls will receive
e-mails announcing that they, too, have been chosen to run this years race.
Those not chosen will remain eligible for the remaining drawings.
The Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon is preparing for its fourth annual race.
It has shown tremendous growth, increasing participation from 635 entrants
in its inaugural year to 1,593 entrants in its third year, with runners
coming from 46 states and 16 countries. Race organizers expect to attract
2,000 - 3,000 runners on February 16, 2003. Gulf Beaches is a Boston
Marathon Qualifier on a space available basis. More information on the
Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon can be found at
MARINE CORPS MARATHON INFORMATION:
The mission of the Marine Corps Marathon is to promote the United
States Marine Corps commitment to physical fitness by organizing a
"People's Marathon" where runners can achieve a personal goal and realize
their full potential. More than 18,000 runners will be registered to run
one of the most scenic routes in the country: along the Potomac, around the
Pentagon, down the National Mall and past the Capitol Building. This year's
marathon will be held Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 8:30 a.m. The Marine
Corps Marathon also hosts the 4th Annual Healthy Kids Fun Run on Saturday,
October 25 and the 2nd Annual Marine Corps Marathon 5K on Sunday, October
26, immediately following the start of the Marathon. Registration for the
Marine Corps Marathon 5K is also being held on-line at
www.marinemarathon.com., and will remain open until race week. Runners with
questions about the Marine Corps Marathon are invited to call
1-800-RUN-USMC, or visit www.marinemarathon.com.
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