(October 3, 2007, ATLANTA, Ga.) – Next spring’s ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, set for March 30, 2008, will start and finish at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. One of the most picturesque and popular races in the country, the marathon and half-marathon will return for its second year through Atlanta‘s intown neighborhoods, treating runners and spectators to some of the city’s most widely recognized landmarks.
"The ING Georgia Marathon is another great sporting event that our state is proud to host. Placing the start/finish line at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta will be the perfect location for spectators and athletes to enjoy next year’s race,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.
According to Running USA, the sold-out inaugural 2007 race was the second-largest marathon and half-marathon combo of all time. And event officials estimated that the crowds along the course exceeded expectations for a running event, surpassing 30,000 along the course.
“The inaugural ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon proved to be a winning event for runners, spectators, and sponsors this spring. A fresh new tradition has been established that showcases our community spirit here in Atlanta. All runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes, whether they are residents of our beautiful city or neighbors or out of town guests, should be commended for taking part in this event. I'm proud Atlanta can host thousands of people who actively reach their goals for good health,” said Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who is serious about healthy living and has established a Health and Wellness Program for city employees.
“As a proud corporate citizen of Atlanta, we’re honored to be sponsoring a world-class race that energizes the city and attracts thousands of participants and spectators to the state of Georgia,” said Tom Waldron, ING executive vice president for human resources and brand. “Setting the start and finish line at Centennial Olympic Park is a great way to make the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon even more successful in its second year.”
The new start/ finish is among other changes planned for the Sunday, March 30, 2008 race. Rather than the mass start of the inaugural event for all runners and walkers, race officials plan to stage participants in groups and stagger the start by the expected finish times. Wheelchair racers in the Half Marathon will take off at 6:55 a.m., going east on Marietta Street from Centennial Olympic Park. The staggered start for runners in the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon will begin at 7:00 a.m. All participants will end the race on the north side of the park, finishing at Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Harris Street. The park will host activities for spectators and runners all day.
In addition, the race Health & Fitness Expo will be located at the Georgia World Congress Center on Friday March 28 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday March 29 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The Expo is where event participants pick up race packets, and all exhibits are open to the public. The Omni Hotel at CNN Center will serve as the headquarters hotel for the weekend. Pre-race ceremonies will begin on March 30 at 6:30 a.m. The National Anthem will be performed by national recording artist and Georgia native, Diana DeGarmo. A full schedule of entertainment and guest speakers for the weekend will be announced later this fall.
“Centennial Olympic Park commemorates one of the greatest sporting events in our state, the Centennial Olympic Games,” said Victoria Seahorn, race director for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. “Like so many of the places along the course, it’s part of Atlanta’s history. And the park will serve appropriately again as a headquarters for celebration and success next March, a place where all runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes can reunite with their families and friends.”
Registration for the 2008 registration is now open at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com. Race officials have set the limit again at 15,000 racers; the event is expected to sell-out again. Through Dec. 31 of this year, registration for the half marathon is $60; the registration for the marathon is $80; $60 for the wheelchair half marathon. Registration prices will increase on January 1, 2008.
“Our focus is creating a fun, safe, and memorable race for every person who enters,” Seahorn added. “Limiting the size of the field ensures that we will meet those goals and deliver again one of the best springtime marathons and half-marathons in the country.”
About the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
The 2008 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, to be held on Sunday, March 30, is Georgia’s picturesque, springtime, neighborhood–based distance combo event. Beginning at Centennial Olympic Park, it will travel through 26.2 miles (and 13.1 miles for the half marathon) of Metro Atlanta area’s most interesting and historic areas including the Sweet Auburn District, Inman Park, Midtown, Downtown and the city of Decatur. Along the way it will pass landmarks including the King Center, Carter Center, Margaret Mitchell House, before returning to Centennial Olympic Park for the finish. A limit of 15,000 registrations will be accepted for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. Runners, “wheelers,” and race-day volunteers can get more information or register online at: www.inggeorgiamarathon.com.
The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon includes a full weekend of activities for athletes, families and spectators – Health & Wellness Expo, Tot Trot, Neighborhood Challenge, and the ING Run for Something Better. A full list of weekend activities is available at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com,
About ING
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to more than 75 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 120,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand. In the U.S., the ING family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com.
# # #
Editor’s Notes:
Photos Available: High-resolution images of the start and finish area with race staff are available.
Key Web Address:
ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon: www.inggeorgiamarathon.com
Media Contacts
Jackie Tyson Jenny Schmitt Joe Loparco
Peloton Sports Peloton Sports ING U.S. Financial Services
p: 678-362-6228 p: 404-421-8323 p: 860-462-6525
e:
jbt@pelotonsports.net e:
jenny@pelotonsports.net
