Posted: July 21, 2005

Athletics: P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & Half-Marathon Named Best Special Event in State

PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 20, 2005) -- Just six months from its third anniversary as a highlight event for the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale, the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ˝ Marathon received top marks as Arizona's best 'Special Event' from Governor Janet Napolitano at the 25th Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism (July 7, 2005).

The annual running event that attracts over 30,000 runners and walkers to the Valley of the Sun each January was recognized for its unique draw for tourism and attracting visitors from outside the local area … an event that stands out in the crowd because of its creative approach, distinctive appeal, media coverage and/or enhancement of community pride." "This event has been a success from the beginning thanks to the tremendous community support of Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix and the remarkable involvement of hometown favorite P.F. Chang's China Bistro," said Tim Murphy, president and CEO of Elite Racing, Inc., the event's producer. It is an honor to receive this award, but it really is a tribute to all the participants who are out there running and walking, those who volunteer, the cheerleaders and the bands that line the course. It inspires us to continue working harder and make the 2006 race even better."

The P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, fourth in a series of musical running events created by Elite Racing, returns to the Valley of the Sun on Jan. 15, 2006. Participants are treated to 60 live bands playing at every mile, 40 high school cheerleading squads providing extra motivation along the route, and a finish line festival at ASU. An evening concert at Tempe Town Lake caps the day's festivities.

For more information or to register for the marathon or half marathon visit www.rnraz.com or contact P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona, 5452 Oberlin Dr., San Diego, CA 92121 or call 800.311.1255.

Elite Racing, Inc., a sports-marketing and management company based in San Diego, Calif., is the leader in producing world-class running events. In addition to P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona, Elite Racing produces eight events each year, including the Coca-Cola Zero Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Country Music Marathon & ˝ Marathon, the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon and the Carlsbad 5000, the world's fastest 5K.