Pacific Half Marathon Sponsored By Road Runner Sports Offers Historic And Scenic Highlights
7,000 Participants Expected At 24th Annual Event
(Agoura Hills --For Immediate Release) Event producers of the 24th Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills, a premiere running event drawing running enthusiasts of all levels from around the country, announces it will be adding the Pacific Half Marathon to the Great Race coming March 28, 2009. The Pacific Half Marathon will complement the Chesebro Half Marathon, a popular trail course that sells out each year. Event producer Danny Greenberg describes the Pacific Half Marathon course as the ultimate road race weaving around the Santa Monica Mountains, which feature some of the most scenic and historic countryside of Los Angeles. “This is without a doubt one of the most unique and scenic half marathon runs,” said Greenberg. “As part of the training for this course, runners should read up on the area history and local points of interest to make the morning even more rewarding.” Participants in the new half marathon will toe up at Paramount Ranch, a former western Hollywood movie set! and 1950s race car track that is now a national park. They will continue onto Cornell Road and Mulholland Highway’s “Three Magical Miles” famous for movies, passing by Peter Strauss Ranch and scenic Malibou Lake, then travel north through historic Old Agoura and finish in Chumash Park for the after run party.
The Pacific Half Marathon, sponsored by running specialty giant Road Runner Sports, will join five other events being offered at the 2009 Dole Great Race where 7,000 participants from more than 250 cities in 25 different states are expected to participate. In addition to the new Road Runner Sports Pacific Half Marathon and Chesebro Half Marathon, the 24th Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills will offer: Old Agoura 10K, recognized by Runner's World magazine as one of the Top 10Ks in the country; the Deena Kastor 5K, named for the Olympian marathon medalist who grew up in Agoura Hills; the the Family Fun Run; and the Kids Mile, one of the largest youth runs in California.
Jim Cera, manager, Road Runner Sports, Thousand Oaks and West Hills locations, states, “Road Runner Sports is excited to help bring the new Pacific Half Marathon to our running community. The Great Race is a world-class event that we are very proud to be a part of.”
In addition to offering nationally recognized races, The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills’ post party has been voted as “The Best Post-Race Party” by Los Angeles area runners for seven years in a row. Sponsored by Dole and other local food vendors, The Great Race buffet of pancakes, fruits, pizza, burritos and other treats has been dubbed the “The Great Feast of Agoura Hills.” Set in Agoura Hills’ Chumash Park in a picnic atmosphere, the post race party also features live music, more than 50 vendor booths dedicated to sports and fitness, giant inflatables for kids, giveaways and major prize awards.
With beginnings as a fundraising event to help support local schools during the state’s 1985 budget crises and now professionally produced, The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills continues to support education in Agoura Hills and Oak Park. In addition to donating more than $1 million to elementary schools and high school athletic programs, the event also raises fitness awareness in children and adults alike.
The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills has grown into a nationally renowned sporting and fitness event for competitive and recreational runners as well as families. “While The Great Race has gained big race appeal, people come not only to run but to enjoy Agoura Hills’s beautiful surroundings and charm,” says Greenberg. “The new Pacific Half Marathon definitely adds to that appeal and we anticipate an early sell out as with the Chesebro Half Marathon.” The Chesebro Half Marathon is already 40% filled.
Individuals and families are encouraged to register in advance for all running events at www.greatraceofagourahills.com. Registration will continue until the day of the race for any events not filled. Entry fees range from $20 - $70. Businesses interested in booth space at the event's expo or in sponsor opportunities should contact the Great Race staff at 1-877-GR8-RACE.
Sponsored by Dole Food Company, Road Runner Sports, the city of Agoura Hills, Evolution Audio & Video, Endurance Bag Company and other local businesses, The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills remains synonymous with community, bringing participants, businesses and leaders together with a commitment toward building a stronger, healthier world.
Road Runner Sports, founded in San Diego in 1983, provides fitness and sports enthusiasts the world's largest selection of men's and women's running shoes, apparel and accessories to everyone from beginning runners to seasoned marathoners, cross-country runners and triathletes. Customers shop in a fun, friendly environment for running and walking gear from the biggest names in running such as Asics, New Balance, Nike, Saucony, adidas, Brooks and more. Road Runner Sports has 22 retail stores including Thousand Oaks, West Hills, Torrance, Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills and San Diego, California.
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