BALTIMORE MARATHON PURSE SET AT $100,000
BALTIMORE MARATHON PURSE SET AT $100,000
March 1, 2005 at 12:00 AM EST
BALTIMORE MARATHON PURSE SET AT $100,000Under Armour Performance Apparel has announced a combined $100,000 purse for the 2004 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival. The one-day event now features one of the Top 10 largest guaranteed prize purses on the 2004 United States marathon calendar, according to the USA Track and Field Road Running Information Center.
The event, which kicks off at 8 a.m. on October 16, will combine the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon, Legg Mason Funds Team Relay, 5K and Kids' Fun Run in an event expected to draw nearly 10,000 runners to the City of Baltimore. For the second year in a row, Under Armour will supply all marathon and half-marathon participants with its performance apparel, designed to wick moisture from athletes' skin and keep their body temperature regulated throughout the event.
"Our sponsors have shown an unprecedented commitment to making the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival one of the country's premier destination running events," commented Lee Corrigan, principal of Corrigan Sports Enterprises. "The quality of the course and the enthusiasm of the fans combined with the Under Armour Performance Apparel premium for participants has made this a must-attend event for runners from around the country. We're confident with the introduction of the $100,000 purse - four times the amount offered last year - the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival's position will be solidified as a race leader beyond compare."
In addition to an increased purse, the 2004 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival will feature numerous enhancements. In response to runner feedback, this year the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon will feature a revised course layout with fewer inclines and more waterfront stretches, taking runners on a scenic journey through the most panoramic and picturesque areas of Downtown Baltimore including Ft. McHenry National Monument and the historic Federal Hill. Staggered start times for the marathon and half-marathon, as well as a delayed merge for the two events and shorter leg distances in the team relay, have also been incorporated to make the races runner-friendly. Parking is free for marathon participants, as is online race registration (www.thebaltimoremarathon.com).
The festival boasts a combined 30% annual increase in runner participation since the race's 2001 inception. According to www.marathonguide.com, Under Armour's 2003 Baltimore Marathon received 4 out of 5 stars in the organization and course categories, and 4.5 out of 5 stars in the fan participation category.
"The Baltimore Running Festival is just one more way for Under Armour to renew our commitment to inspiring and motivating athletes, and to reaffirm our dedication to the City of Baltimore," commented Kevin Plank, founder and president of Under Armour®. "We are proud to share the responsibility of building the Festival into a nationally recognized event and see this as an excellent opportunity for Under Armour, to help position our hometown as one of the top destinations in the country."
An additional gesture of support for athletes participating in this year's marathon, Under Armour will offer cash prizes to runners in a variety of unique categories including the First Terrapin (past or present University of Maryland student), First Maryland Resident, First First-Time Marathoner and First Armed Forces Member to successfully complete the race.
The event, which kicks off at 8 a.m. on October 16, will combine the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon, Legg Mason Funds Team Relay, 5K and Kids' Fun Run in an event expected to draw nearly 10,000 runners to the City of Baltimore. For the second year in a row, Under Armour will supply all marathon and half-marathon participants with its performance apparel, designed to wick moisture from athletes' skin and keep their body temperature regulated throughout the event.
"Our sponsors have shown an unprecedented commitment to making the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival one of the country's premier destination running events," commented Lee Corrigan, principal of Corrigan Sports Enterprises. "The quality of the course and the enthusiasm of the fans combined with the Under Armour Performance Apparel premium for participants has made this a must-attend event for runners from around the country. We're confident with the introduction of the $100,000 purse - four times the amount offered last year - the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival's position will be solidified as a race leader beyond compare."
In addition to an increased purse, the 2004 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival will feature numerous enhancements. In response to runner feedback, this year the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon will feature a revised course layout with fewer inclines and more waterfront stretches, taking runners on a scenic journey through the most panoramic and picturesque areas of Downtown Baltimore including Ft. McHenry National Monument and the historic Federal Hill. Staggered start times for the marathon and half-marathon, as well as a delayed merge for the two events and shorter leg distances in the team relay, have also been incorporated to make the races runner-friendly. Parking is free for marathon participants, as is online race registration (www.thebaltimoremarathon.com).
The festival boasts a combined 30% annual increase in runner participation since the race's 2001 inception. According to www.marathonguide.com, Under Armour's 2003 Baltimore Marathon received 4 out of 5 stars in the organization and course categories, and 4.5 out of 5 stars in the fan participation category.
"The Baltimore Running Festival is just one more way for Under Armour to renew our commitment to inspiring and motivating athletes, and to reaffirm our dedication to the City of Baltimore," commented Kevin Plank, founder and president of Under Armour®. "We are proud to share the responsibility of building the Festival into a nationally recognized event and see this as an excellent opportunity for Under Armour, to help position our hometown as one of the top destinations in the country."
An additional gesture of support for athletes participating in this year's marathon, Under Armour will offer cash prizes to runners in a variety of unique categories including the First Terrapin (past or present University of Maryland student), First Maryland Resident, First First-Time Marathoner and First Armed Forces Member to successfully complete the race.