Press Release - Ocean State Marathon - 3/5/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      Contact:  PH: (401)885-4499
                                                     FX: (401)885-3188
                                                     E-mail: osm26@ids.net

   11TH ANNUAL OCEAN STATE MARATHON STILL WITHOUT TITLE SPONSOR

The 11th Annual Ocean State Marathon will be run on Sunday, October 12 at 
Providence, RI despite the absence of a title sponsor. The marathon, which 
is run on a figure eight course entirely within the city, will share 
billing with the inaugural Ocean State Half Marathon which will utilize the 
first 11.1 miles of the marathon route and then wind back to the common 
finish line at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Both races will start 
together at 7:55 am from the State Capitol.

"We remain hopeful that a title sponsor will partner with us for this 
year's events," said race director, Gerry Beagan. "But we had to make a 
timely decision to either go forward with race planning or to cancel the 
marathon. We believe the state of Rhode Island should have a marathon and 
we are confident the essential financial support we require will be 
available."

In announcing the decision to present the races Beagan signaled that the 
substantial prize purse ($122,000) in 2002 was the first item taken out of 
the budgeting process. While he indicated that prize money is out of the 
equation currently he said it could be reintroduced if a title sponsor is 
forthcoming.

"In our effort to present these races our first consideration is, as it has 
always been, to provide every runner with a first-rate marathon or half 
marathon experience," Beagan said. "From start to finish and beyond every 
entrant will receive the treatment and amenities that have been the 
hallmark at Ocean State since 1993."

There will also be runner number and race packet pickup, a health and 
fitness fair and pasta dinner at the Rhode Island Convention Center on 
Saturday, October 11.

The Ocean State Marathon and Half Marathon are USATF sanctioned and 
certified and will feature ChampionChip timing by Granite State Race 
Services. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. There are no field 
limits for either event and entries will be accepted up to, and including, 
race weekend.

Entry brochures will be available in April. Information on the events, 
on-line registration and print out registration form are available at the 
marathon web site at osm26.com. Additional information and request for 
entry brochures should be directed to Ocean State Marathon, 5 Division 
Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818 or by telephone at (401) 885-4499 or 
e-mail at osm26@ids.net.


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