FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2010
For more information:
Krista Hildebrand
503-467-4686
khildebrand@frause.com
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, SITE OF NEWEST NORTHWEST MARATHON
Vancouver USA Marathon organizers to certify race as a Boston Qualifier
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Runners participating in the Northwest's newest marathon will have the
opportunity to take in the historic sites of Washington's first city as well as the natural beauty of
southwest Washington. The route for the inaugural Vancouver USA Marathon, to be held in June
of 2011, will start at Esther Short Park in the heart of downtown Vancouver and will wind past such
historic venues as Fort Vancouver and Officers Row. Runners also will have spectacular views of
Vancouver Lake, Frenchman's Bar and the Columbia River.
"The route for this marathon offers the best of all worlds for serious runners," said Kim Bennett,
president and CEO of Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. "It is a relatively flat course,
extremely scenic and it will be a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon."
Energy Events, well known for organizing such popular local races as the Fort Vancouver and
Salmon Creek runs in southwest Washington, and the Earth Day and the Fueled by Wine runs in
the Portland area, will now be adding a full marathon to its list of local events.
"I have always wanted to hold a marathon in Vancouver to showcase what a wonderful community
it is," said Energy Events Race Director Brian Davis. "We have designed the route so that
participants will get to see firsthand all that Vancouver has to offer including spectacular scenery,
historic sites and wildlife as well as local businesses."
There will be four events over two days: a 10K walk and a kids' marathon to be held on Saturday,
June 18; and the full marathon and half marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday, June 19. To add to the
race-day festivities, there will be bands playing music at five sites along the route and local micro
brews will be awaiting the runners at the finish line. All participants will receive a tech shirt, finisher medal, drinks and snacks. Ending ceremonies and even more festivities will be held back at
Esther Short Park. In addition to the races, a fitness expo will be held at the Hilton Vancouver
Washington on June17 and 18.
The race organizers are capping attendance at the inaugural event at 5,000 runners and walkers in
the full and half marathons. Prior to June 19, 2010, the registration fee is $69. If paid after this
date, the fee will be $85.
Sponsors of the Vancouver USA Marathon include: Fit Right Northwest, Foot Traffic, Hilton
Vancouver, Fred Meyer, Waste Connections, Rockstar, www.Strands.com, www.OregonLive.com, among
others. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to Fort Vancouver Trust, Vancouver Parks &
Recreation Department and the Children's Cancer Association.
About Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office (formerly Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau) is
an economic development organization responsible for competitively marketing Vancouver and the
surrounding area as a destination for meetings, conventions, and group and leisure travelers. The
organization's mission is to promote Vancouver and Clark County by increasing convention and visitor
business. For more information call 360-750-1553, or log on to www.VisitVancouverUSA.com .
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