State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon Adds Relay
Two-person half-marathon relay with 6.55 mile legs

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Posted Monday, 8 November, 2010

From Ryan Lamppa, Running USA

MELBOURNE, Fla. - (November 2, 2010) - Following the trend of several other races to make its event more accessible to everyday runners, organizers of the State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon Weekend have announced the addition of a relay division to its half-marathon run. East Central Florida's premiere distance running event will be competed February 5 & 6, 2011 and includes a 5K, 8K, half and full marathon and a marathon distance hand cycle race.

Teams made up of two runners will compete in their own division and run side-by-side with others participating in the full and half-marathon. Each relay team member will run 6.55 miles. Relay runners will be transported to and from the half-way transition area but will start and finish the race the same as full distance runners. The unique rectangular-shaped course twice crosses the Indian River - once at the five-mile mark and then again at about the 12-mile mark - giving each team member their own bridge crossing - the signature mark of the event.

"A half-marathon is a daunting distance for lots of people," said event founder Mitch Varnes. "By breaking it up, we open the event to many more runners and also allow for more camaraderie and competition. It is a win-win for everyone."

The Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon Weekend is expected to draw more than 3,000 runners and 20,000 spectators to Melbourne and its neighboring towns. Registration forms and additional information on the event can be found at: www.themelbournemarathon.com