FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: PR Racing
Danny Elefenbein
305-278-8668
REGISTRATION NUMBERS INCREASE BY EIGHTY-SIX PERCENT,
ENTRY FEES GOING UP ON SEPTEMBER 30
ORGANIZERS BEGIN NORTH AMERICAN MARKETING BLITZ,
HALF MARATHON EXPECTED TO CLOSE EARLY
MIAMI (September 28, 2005) – As marathon season gears up, organizers of the
ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon are excited to announce a huge boost
in registration for the 2006 race. Twenty-eight weeks since registration
opened, application numbers have increased by 86% compared to the same
timeframe last year. After establishing a foundation for a successful race
the past three years, PR Racing expects a modest increase in participants,
a notion strongly based on the increased marketing and the addition of ING
as title sponsor, a name synonymous with marquis running events like the
ING New York City Marathon. Over the next couple of months, staff from PR
Racing will continue a strong marketing push by attending marathon expos
throughout North America, reaching a quarter of a million runners from
across the world.
With over 500 people registered in the past week, early indications suggest
that Miami and Miami Beach will host 10,000 runners for the first time in
South Florida’s history. The registration boom is attributed to increased
exposure for the race and the continued positive word of mouth spread
throughout the international running community. This year, several large
training groups such as Train to End Stroke have chosen Miami as their race
destination for winter, drawing hundreds of runners raising money for
charities. "At this point, 54% of registered runners will be running Miami
for the first time," said Course Director Frankie Ruiz, noting that return
runners shouldn’t wait to register. "The original plan was to get one
runner on our course, let them enjoy a piece of paradise in Miami and
Miami, award them the famous "spinning palm" medal and welcome them back
the following year with a friend at their side. Instead, all of our runners
are coming back with two friends."
With the start of October, organizers will attend some of the largest
marathons in the world to recruit new runners by promoting one of the top
winter races. Armed with thousands of brochures, a huge course map, and a
lively crew wearing catchy "I am running…" shirts, PR Racing will meet face
to face with runners in Toronto, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C.,
Disney, and other major races. "The website and emails help inform the
runners, but when we show them the medal, the course map, and a friendly
face, they have a hard time turning down Miami in the winter," explained
Danny Elfenbein, Marketing Manager. "This marathon gives runners everything
they want- a world class race, world class support, and the coolest medal
in the business."
Registration fees for the marathon and half marathon, which are among the
lowest in the industry, will be increasing after September 30 and it is
strongly recommended that interested runners or walkers register soon.
Additionally, organizers are warning half-marathoners that the 13.1 mile
race will likely sell out in December, a month before the event. The
marathon is currently $65 and the half-marathon is $40. For more
information call 305-278-8668 or logon to www.INGMiamiMarathon.com.
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