FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Road Race Management
4904 Glen Cove Pkwy.
Bethesda, MD
301-320-6865
pstewart@rrm.com
GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
THE RETURN OF PRIZE MONEY
November 15, 2003 (TAMPA) - After a successful Prize Purse Fundraising
Campaign, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association has announced that
Prize Money will be offered for the 2004 Hops Marathon By Tampa Bay and
2004 Bank of America Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K. Both events will
take place the weekend of January 24th & 25th.
In 1997, because of the desire to contribute more dollars to charity, the
Association's Board of Directors voted to do away with Prize Money for the
15K race. "It was a tough decision, but the Board felt strongly about
giving more to charity and giving back to the community…the community that
has supported the 15K and 5K since 1978," said Susan Harmeling, Executive
Director.
Following the 2003 events, the Association began considering Prize Money
for the Hops Marathon in the hopes that national recognition gained from
offering Prize Money would spur the event's growth. "We looked at the
history of the Bank of America Gasparilla Distance Classic," added
Harmeling. "In 1983, a Prize Purse funded by a national shoe and apparel
company, was created for the 15K. Offering Prize Money took the 15K to
another level, garnered additional national exposure and more importantly,
led to the event's growth."
The Association kicked off its 2004 Prize Purse Fundraising Campaign in
early August by approaching the local running community for donations. "We
didn't want to impact our charities by taking money away from our normal
income channels. To date, $15,000 in contributions have been received,"
said Harmeling. "The running community's support has been great…but then,
the Tampa Bay running community has always supportted our efforts."
$10,000 in Open Prize Money ($2,250, $1,250, $750, $500, $250) will be
awarded to the Top 5 Male and Female Finishers in the Hops Marathon with
$5,000 in Local Prize Money ($1,000, $750, $400, $250, $100) to the Top 5
Local Male & Female Finishers (Full-time Residents) from Hillsborough,
Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Sarasota or Manatee Counties.
The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association's goal for 2005 and beyond is
to offer a $50,000 Prize Purse, and to identify a corporate partner or
partners that will see the benefits of offering a Prize Purse while at the
same time protecting the charitable organizations that benefit from the
running events.
____________________________________
Road Race Management
4904 Glen Cove Pkwy.
Bethesda, MD
301-320-6865
pstewart@rrm.com
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