• Overall entry limit of 1,500 runners
• Features USA Masters Half-Marathon Championships
• Entry fees for Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K rise on December 1
• Last-chance qualifier for 2009 Boston Marathon
MELBOURNE, FL (Nov. 21) — The State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon, which takes place Feb. 8, 2009 and features the USA Masters Half-Marathon Championships, has announced an overall entry cap of 1,500 competitors. In addition, the second early registration period expires on Sunday, November 30.
"Since we're featuring the USA Masters Half-Marathon Championships, we're going to make this race exclusive for our first 1,500 entrants," event producer Mitch Varnes said. "It's also a perfect opportunity for any late would-be qualifiers for the Boston Marathon to qualify on a fast course, as the Boston entry fee goes up sharply just a few days after our race—and they usually reach their maximum entry limit around this time."
As of December 1, entry fees will climb to $90 for the Marathon, $75 for the Half-Marathon and $30 for the 5K. These reduced rates will be in effect through January 15, 2009, after which late-bird registration begins. Registration is available on the official website, www.themelbournemarathon.com, or on www.marathonguide.com.
Both the marathon and half-marathon courses will be USA Track & Field-certified courses, with Champion Chip Timing. This is of particular importance for runners trying to qualify for the 2009 Boston Marathon, as the Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon will be one of the last opportunities to do so.
The top men and women half-marathoners will split $2,000 purses in each division. First will receive $1,000, with second earning $600 and third $400. In the marathon, $1,000 purses each will be presented for the men and women, with the winners earning $600, second place $300, and third place $100. The purse also features age grading, with a total of $6,000 will be distributed to the top nine age-graded runners.
In addition, State Farm will present $125 checks to the top male and female marathoner, and the top male and female half-marathoner residing in Brevard County — host county of the State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon.
The State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon has enjoyed significant support from city officials in Brevard County, Melbourne and Indialantic, along with the Space Coast Board of Tourism and the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.
State Farm Insurance is the umbrella sponsor of the event. Additional sponsors include: Florida Today; Health First; Delta Airlines; Melbourne International Airport; Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne; Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront; Space Coast Credit Union; Bright House Networks; Beachside Performance & Health Studio; Flammio & Schultz Financial team of Wachovia Securities; Florida Eye Associates; and McDonalds.
Complete information and entry forms can be found at www.themelbournemarathon.com.
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