|
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon offers perfect weather and attractions for active travelers looking to get away this winter
PHOENIX, Ariz., (Dec. 5, 2006) – Celebrating its fourth anniversary in the Valley of the Sun on Sun., Jan. 14, 2007, the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon has established itself as a popular winter attraction for runners and walkers looking to plan a vacation to a warmer climate.
Increasingly, active travelers from North America’s coldest regions are planning a long weekend in mid-January to enjoy the Valley of the Sun’s best resorts and challenge themselves on the flat and fast marathon (26.2 miles) and half-marathon (13.1 miles) courses, which are famous for their on-course musical entertainment. Last year, when all race registrants from the event’s home state of Arizona were removed from the 2006 total, more than half of all the 31,405 registered participants arrived from the northern half of the United States and Canada.
Bert Vivian, an avid runner and president of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz. knows, first-hand, about the attraction of Arizona in the winter and the “Rock ‘n’ Roll” experience, having competed in all three of the past marathons.
“The Valley of the Sun comes alive in the winter,” said Vivian. “The summer heat gives way to mild winters; more people are able to take full advantage of outdoor activities, and this race is such a fun way to enjoy it all.”
Winter activities are traditionally set around skiing and snowboarding, but a vacation to the desert can offer a variety of activities for runners and walkers, as well as their family and friends once they arrive.
“In addition to the outstanding weather and warm Arizona hospitality, winter visitors can enjoy award winning resorts and spas, dining, golf, hiking, shopping and even take short day trips to towns like artistic Sedona,” said Toni Smith with the Tempe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “What better way to start the New Year than with a rejuvenating vacation that promotes health and fitness.”
Smith participated in the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona 1/2 Marathon last year and her colleague to the north challenged himself in 2004 to run the inaugural marathon.
“I was incredibly impressed by the event’s exceptional organization, the lively bands and enthusiastic cheerleaders and the groundswell of community support,” said Chris Ryall, Canadian representative for the Arizona Office of Tourism based in Toronto. “It was an electric atmosphere for young and old, non-runner and elite athlete alike and the event has developed into one of the must-see and do events in Arizona.”
“The P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon is an opportunity for people to escape from the cold winter and indulge in their passion for running in the warmth of the Arizona desert,” Ryall added. “From the kids’ races to the Health & Fitness Expo and concert, there are festivities for all ages surrounding the event.”
About P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon
Inspired by the original Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in June, 2007, the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona features 70 live bands along both of the 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses, creating a block party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. More than 30,000 runners and walkers will participate on the marathon and half-marathon courses that start in downtown Phoenix, run through Scottsdale and finish at Arizona State University in Tempe. The event concludes with an evening concert at Tempe Beach Park featuring the Gin Blossoms. All participants and volunteers receive free entry to the concert.
A two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race week at the Phoenix Convention Center. All participants visit the expo to pick up their race numbers and browse over 100 vendors from the running and fitness industry. The Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.
To register for the race or for more information about the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon, visit www.RnRaz.com or contact Elite Racing, Inc. at 800-311-1255.
About Elite Racing, Inc.
Elite Racing, Inc. is a sports marketing and management company based in San Diego, Calif. that specializes in the production of road racing events (marathons and half marathons). The musical marathon concept, which places live bands at every mile along the course, was created and implemented by Elite Racing in 1998 with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego. Now in its 10th year, the formula has grown to six cities nationwide attracting more than 120,000 runners and walkers annually from around North America and the world. Additional Elite Racing musical marathons include the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, Va. and San Jose, Calif. and the Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run.
Comment on this story.
Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest
|
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
