Mercedes-Benz selected as official pace car for inaugural race; also U.S.-only prize purse
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - (July 21, 2010) - Officials of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon presented by Burke & Herbert Bank, slated for Sunday, September 19, announced its scenic course through a national park, over a new imposing bridge and around a new luxury resort while detailing a prize purse in excess of $8000 for the inaugural running.
"We're doing everything we can do to present a first-year race to our participants that has everything runners have come to expect from the decades-old established races," Steve Nearman, event founder and director, said after today's press conference.
Speeches were given by Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Chairman/CEO E. Hunt Burke, Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, Virginia Delegate David Englin, Race Director Kathy Dalby of Pacers Events and American Running Association Executive Director Dave Watt.
The destination half-marathon will begin at Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, travel up the George Washington Memorial Parkway and over the majestic Woodrow Wilson Bridge path. Once in Maryland, the USATF-certified 13.1-mile course will travel clockwise around National Harbor resort with sweeping vistas of the famed Potomac River and the bridge before ending at the river in front of the eclectic Awakening Statue.
The field is closing in on 3,000 entrants and is estimated to close out at 4,000 in the coming weeks. Registration and more can be found at: wilsonbridgehalf.com
The prize money totals more than $8000, and in support of U.S. distance running, nearly half the purse is U.S.-only money, starting with $800 for first American. The overall male and female winners will be awarded $1000.
The race will benefit six charity partners: the American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, Alice Ferguson Foundation, Child & Family Network Centers of Alexandria, Washington Area Women's Foundation and Back on My Feet - DC.
Leading the race will be a Mercedes-Benz pace car, which also will be present at packet pickups during race weekend. Westin National Harbor is the host hotel and race headquarters. And USA Track & Field has selected the race for its Mobile Marketing Tour, parking its colorful van at National Harbor and offering official USATF gear.
Officials also announced that AccelGel will be available on the course along with Powerade and water. All finishers will receive attractive and distinctive medals.
For more information, visit WilsonBridgeHalf.com or call Steve Nearman at (703) 587-4321.
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