Marathon introduces Spirit Award for those who have overcome major obstacles
COLUMBUS, Ohio - (September 22, 2008) - Building on the success of last year's sold-out Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon events, the 2008 Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon is reintroducing prize money; and at $30,000, it is the largest marathon and half-marathon combined prize purse in Ohio.
"A marathon is one of the most inclusive sporting events out there," said Scott Weaver, executive director of the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon. "Where else will you find elite athletes competing on the same field as the weekend warriors? A prize purse of this size ensures that the field remains competitive and attractive to athletes of all levels."
The following prizes will be awarded to both men and women in each category:
Marathon = $2500, $1000 and $750
1/2 Marathon = $1000, $750 and $500
Ohioan (full marathon) = $750, $500 and $250
Masters (40 and older, full marathon) = $750, $500 and $250
Hand-cycle (full marathon) = $1250, $750 and $500
Wheelchair (full marathon) = $1250, $750 and $500
In addition to traditional first, second and third prizes for men and women finishers, the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon is awarding individuals who have not only taken on the challenge of completing a marathon but have overcome considerable obstacles while doing so. Throughout the years the marathon has witnessed runners and walkers who train while overcoming a major illness or who use the marathon as part of a lifestyle change to accomplish significant weight loss. Five of these marathoners will be honored with $100 Spirit Awards after crossing the finish line Oct. 19. Spirit Award nominations are being solicited by sending a brief email (up to 200 words) to info@columbusmarathon.com outlining why the nominee should receive the Spirit Award. Please also include the nominee name, phone number and email address.
The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon weekend kicks off on Friday, Oct. 17 when the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon Expo begins at the Greater Columbus Convention Center Hall D from noon to 7:00pm. The Expo will feature more than 70 running and health and fitness related booths, interactive games, fitness seminars and participant registration (if all 11,500 participant slots aren't filled) and packet pickup. The Expo will re-open on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
The fourth Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon Ringling Bros. Red Nose Children's Run festivities and registration will begin at 10:00am at Franklin Park, with the actual races taking place at 1:00pm. The gun will go off for the 29th running of the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and ˝ Marathon at 7:30am Sunday, Oct. 19 in downtown Columbus from the corner of Broad and High St. The wheelchair and hand-cycle racers will get an early start at 7:27am.
For more information on the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and ˝ Marathon, visit ColumbusMarathon.com or contact the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon office at (614) 421-RUNN (7866). The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, was one of the 25 largest marathons in the United States in 2007. Approximately 15 percent of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon. The 2007 event featured a sold out field of 10,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes, 1,500 volunteers and tens of thousands of spectators.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
