Registration Fees Offered at Major Discount, Participants Register at Record Pace
Following the most successful marathon in South Florida(1)s history, runners from across the country are already registering for one of the top winter destination marathons in the US. Two days after 10,000 runners and walkers competed in the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon(R), registration opened offering fees as low as $27.50 for the half marathon and $40 for the full marathon. In the first 36 hours, registration had reached close to 2,000 entries for the 7th annual race on January 25, 2009. The first week of registration- known as the (3)registration blitz,(2) runs through 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, February 5. Last year, the week-long blitz drew 1,600 entrants, surpassed in the first 24-hours this year.

The 2008 race, recently named one of the (3)Top Races to Run(2) by Runner(1)s World magazine and a (3)Top Winter Destination Race(2) by USA Today, provided runners with a positive and memorable experience running through Miami Beach, Downtown, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne and other parts of Miami on one of the most scenic courses in the country. Post-race media coverage and participant feedback for the race, which was run under perfect weather conditions, have focused on the well organized course with water stations, food and entertainment plus a great spectator, volunteer and police presence. Runners were awarded a unique medal that featured a diamond rhinestone amongst a spinning palm tree and two one carat diamonds were randomly awarded to registrants.

The 2009 event, which organizers expect should see a seventh consecutive year of growth, is slated for Sunday, January 25. Organizers, who each year have added programs to get the community of runners and spectators involved, our planning on drawing even more spectators through new outreach programs. In the next year, PR Racing Miami will announce several initiatives to enhance running in the community and expand the number of people who participate and support the race. This year, spectatorship was at it(1)s highest, and organizers are satisfied to see that the event has received tremendous support from the people. The 2008 event is estimated to have an economic impact of $18 million, though a study will be conducted with findings release in the spring.

Current registration for the 2009 ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon(R) is 30% off until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, February 5. Half marathon entry fees are $38.50 and full marathon fees are $56. After the blitz, registration returns to $55 and $80 respectively. To register or get more information, call 305-278- 8668 or go to www.ingmiamimarathon.com.