Posted: December 13, 2004

Athletics: New Theme and Event Highlight 2005 Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend™

2005 Missouri State Marathon and Half-Marathon Championships

ST. LOUIS - (December 7, 2004) - Building upon four years of success, the fifth annual Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend™ on April 8-10, 2005 will offer a new theme and expanded line of events designed to encourage people of all ages and athletic abilities to engage in a variety of running and walking related fitness activities.

The excitement and energy of the 2005 event will be captured in "Art and Sole," a visually stimulating theme. As soles pound the streets of St. Louis, runners and walkers, young and old, will enjoy works of art by local artists at every marathon mile. Also new is the Mature Mile, which challenges less active adults age 60 and older to train for a one-mile walk.

In addition, the St. Louis Marathon Weekend will host the 2005 Missouri Marathon and Half-Marathon Championship with honors going to the top male and female Missouri runners in these races.

Taking place over three days in St. Louis, the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend is Missouri's most comprehensive health and fitness event. Individuals have the opportunity to sign up for a variety of events ranging from a Diaper Dash to a full 26.2-mile marathon as well as attend a Health & Fitness Expo. Participation in the St. Louis Marathon Weekend has more than tripled since its debut in 2000 when slightly more than 2,000 entries were received. In 2004, runners came from 47 states and four countries.

"An event such as the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend is invaluable because it encourages people to embrace a healthier and more fit lifestyle regardless of their level of experience. As a personal advocate of fitness, I challenge the citizens of St. Louis to embrace this Marathon Weekend by participating in one of the events," said St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay. "The weekend also provides us with a special opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and neighborhoods to regional and national participants."

The St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend was created with a mission to promote the importance of fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Since its inception, organizers have launched the Read, Right & Run Marathon™, the nation's only fully integrated children's marathon. The event encourages children to become physically fit, reading proficient and community minded. The latest innovation comes with the addition of the Mature Mile. The program has already won support from many local organizations such as OASIS, Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, Lutheran Senior Services, area YMCAs and the Jewish Community Center.

"While we're honored to recognize the elite runners in our state and region, it's equally important to acknowledge the everyday person," said Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend President Nancy Lieberman. "With so many health-related issues facing society, it is important for people to get fit, while enjoying the additional benefits of the Marathon Weekend such as camaraderie and fun."

The 2005 weekend kicks off on Friday, April 8, with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Health & Fitness Expo at the Marriott Pavilion Downtown. The action moves to Forest Park on Saturday, April 9, with a variety of Fun Runs ranging from a Diaper Dash to a 1/2-mile run, the Energizer Read, Right & Run Marathon, a 5K race and the Mature Mile. Sunday, April 10, is endurance day as thousands of runners and walkers test their stamina for the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon, Blue Cross Blue Shield Half Marathon and a four-person Marathon Relay. The 26.2-mile course starts at Soldier's Memorial in downtown St. Louis then winds its way through the Soulard, Central West End, Forest Park, Clayton and University City/DeBaliviere communities before returning to Soldier's Memorial. A traditional pre-Marathon Pasta Party will be held Saturday evening at St. Louis City Hall.

For more information about the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon Weekend & Family Fitness Weekend, visit www.stlouismarathon.com or call (314) 727-0800.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.