Press Release - Seafair Marathon - 7/5/07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                         Contact: Dan Wartelle
                                                  Seafair
                                                  (206) 795-0965
                                                  

             Virginia Mason Team Medicine Marathon at Seafair 
                   Hits the Streets of Bellevue July 8!

The Virginia Mason Team Medicine Marathon at Seafair returns to the streets 
of Bellevue, July 8 (7 a.m.) featuring a runner-friendly course, marathon 
team relay, an excellent field of elite runners, new Kids Mini-Marathon and 
Nordic Walking Division. The day's event also includes a Half Marathon 
run/walk and 5K run/walk. 

Marathon Course
Starting and finishing at Bellevue's Downtown Park, the course takes 
advantage of scenic Bellevue neighborhoods, parks and the area around 
Kirkland Bridle Trails, promising to be a festive experience for both the 
elite and recreational runner.

Avast ye Mateys!
The Seafair Pirates have laid claim to the 2007 Marathon. The beloved hulk, 
Moby Duck will act as the official “pace car” and look for the salty 
troupe's shenanigans along the route and finish line.

Elite Runners Chase Top Prize Money
On the men's side, 2006 Seattle Marathon runner-up Andy Martin (2:29.08) 
matches up against Dan Salazar of Tacoma, a Top 10 finisher at last year's 
Marathon. In the women's division, Trish Steidl of Seattle looks to defend 
her 2006 Seafair Marathon crown against Caryn Heffernan who competed in the 
2006 Olympic Team Trials.  Each overall male and female marathon winner 
will receive $1,500. 

Benefiting the Floyd and Delores Jones Cancer Institute at Virginia Mason 
Medical Center, the marathon is a USATF-certified course and a Boston 
Marathon qualifier.

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