Race Officials Anticipate Record Participation In the 2007 Race

LITTLE ROCK, AR (July 20, 2006) - Registrations are now being accepted for the 5th running of the Little Rock Marathon, presented by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette scheduled for March 4, 2007. With an early registration discount being offered, race officials anticipate the largest field of participants in the races’ history and are making preparations for 9,500 participants. The race is a project of Little Rock Parks & Recreation.

“This is the first year we have offered a discount for people who want to sign up early,” said Greg Hatcher, race chairman. “We usually begin getting registrations in when training begins in October. We are hoping to have our races filled by January this year.”

“Our largest increase in participation on the 2006 race (held earlier this year) was the half marathon, which grew 35% from 2005,” said Hatcher.

“All the races grow significantly each year with no signs of slowing down,” he said. “We hope that offering a discount will get participants signed up early so we can get a good handle on expenses. A sell out would be a nice problem to have.”

“I believe our trend will continue in 2007,” Hatcher noted. “The word is out on the street. We produce a quality event that showcases our state and if we just do what we did earlier this year, we could double our numbers again. Marathoners want to participate in quality races like the Little Rock Marathon.”

The discount for early registration ends before midnight September 1.

Entry Fees are as following:

Through midnight, September 1, 2006
Marathon - $55
Half Marathon - $35
Relay Half Marathon (per person) - $25
5K Fun Run/Walk - $15
Little Rockers Kids Marathon - $10

Through midnight, February 1, 2007
Marathon - $65
Half Marathon - $45
Relay Half Marathon (per person) - $35
5K Fun Run/Walk - $20
Little Rockers Kids Marathon - $15

After midnight, February 1, 2007
Marathon - $75
Half Marathon - $55
Relay Half Marathon (per person) - $45
5K Fun Run/Walk - $25
Little Rockers Kids Marathon - $20

Race weekend
Marathon - $85
Half Marathon - $65
Relay Half Marathon (per person) - $55
5K Fun Run/Walk - $35
Little Rockers Kids Marathon - $25

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette offers a $15 discount to participants in the full 26.2 marathon in addition to the early registration discount. Restrictions apply. See the website for details.

Online registration for any of the races is available at www.littlerockmarathon.com until February 21, 2007. Paper registration forms can be printed from the website or obtained by calling Little Rock Parks & Recreation at 501-371-4770. Paper entries must be received by February 21, 2007.

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