"Every Runner Has a Story" Discount at 2009 ING Georgia Marathon
Promotion rewards interesting, inspirational anecdotes related to completing 13.1 or 26.2 miles at 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half

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Posted Thursday, 25 September, 2008

ATLANTA - In the past two years, some of the most triumphant tales of achievement from the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon had no connection between runners and record times. Rather, participants shared stories that went beyond the field of competition to inspirational victories of losing more than 100 pounds, of completing a 100th marathon, of covering miles for a loved one, and of using prosthetics in a successful test of endurance.

For runners, walkers and wheelers who will share their compelling inspirational and encouraging stories of why they want to participate at this event on Sunday, March 29, 2009, race organizers will offer an "Every Runner Has a Story" discount on registration fees: a 13.1% discount for 13.1 miles and a 26.2% discount for 26.2 miles.

"Our race is now a solid fixture on the running calendar for the spring. About this time each year, about six months out, is the perfect time for recreational athletes to make a special commitment for our marathon. What we find rewarding is that our event provides a finish line for so much more than just a race, but a compelling reason to achieve personal goals of fitness, well-being and teamwork. And this is just a small way we can say 'thank you' in return for making the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon a special event," said Victoria Seahorn, race director with US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, which owns and operates the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.

Early registration for the half-marathon and wheelchair half-marathon is $60 through Dec 31, 2008; the registration will increase to $75 from Jan. 1 to March 18, 2009. Early registration for the marathon is $80 through Dec 31, 2008; the registration will be $95 from Jan. 1 to March 18, 2009. The "Every Runner Has a Story" promotional discount is valid through September 30, 2008. The half-marathon entry fee would be $52.14, reflecting a savings of $7.86. The marathon entry fee would be $59.04, reflecting a savings of $20.96.

To share a personal story for "Every Runner Has a Story", applicants are asked to send a short description via email to Director of Race Operation Stacy Embretson (stacy@inggeorgiamarathon.com), along with name, address and daytime telephone number. Applicants will be sent a discount code that can be used with the event registration form. And stories that could help inspire others will be posted on the event website, INGgeorgiamarathon.com. Embretson recommends that each personal story should answer a question, such as:

* Why did you select running to honor a friend / family member?
* How will this event help you overcome a personal obstacle?
* What is your main challenge to crossing the finish line?

The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon has had 14,000 or more registered runners each of the past two years. According to Running USA, the 13,730 runners who participated in the inaugural 2007 marathon and half-marathon (15,000 registered) were part of the second largest inaugural combo running event of all time. The inaugural event had a completion rate of 97% and the 2008 event had a 99% completion rate.

"We expect the event to sell out this year with 15,000 registrations. Last year's new start and finish area in Centennial Olympic Park and the 26 hydration stations were a hit with participants," added Seahorn. The 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon will offer a two-day Health & Wellness Expo in downtown Atlanta, with Centennial Olympic Park hosting the start / finish line and race-day activities.

More information is available at: www.INGgeorgiamarathon.com

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