Finish where it all began...HAYWARD FIELD!
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We are thrilled to announce that the 2010 Eugene Marathon
and Half Marathon will culminate in a finish experience running fans cannot
miss. Finally runners and walkers will feel the rush of entering historic
Hayward Field through the arches of Powell Plaza and finish down the home
stretch - where so many record breaking races have been decided.
"It has
been a goal of ours since the initial planning in 2005 to finish on Hayward
Field" says Richard Maher, Eugene Marathon Race Director, "We feel this is going to make it
an even more momentous experience for the participants."
This will be the first time a major road race has finished
on the country's most recognizable track and field facility since the early 1980's.
Hayward Field has been host to four Olympic Trials, six USA Track
Championships, nine NCAA Championships and an IAAF Diamond League event, the
Prefontaine Classic.
As in years past, the marathon and half marathon will run on
Sunday, May 2nd, taking runners and walkers through Eugene and Springfield, along city streets
and several parks. The 2009 Eugene Marathon had a record year, attracting
over 6,300 runners and walkers from 46 states and 8 countries. It received the Destination Award from Travel
Lane County, for recognition of its ability to draw runners and walkers to
Eugene and Springfield. The Eugene Marathon truly turned into one of the
country's fastest growing destination marathons, with over 30% of all
registrants from out-of-state. The
Health and Fitness Expo will again be at the Hilton Eugene and Conference
Center on Friday, April 30th and Saturday May 1st.
Proceeds from this event will benefit over 50 local
charities, teams and partners.
2010 event sponsors include: Krusteaz, Nike, The Sports
Authority, Wells Fargo, Pepsi, Gatorade, Earth2O, Nesquik, Clif, Gorilla Capital,
Kool 99.1, KVAL, Register Guard, Market of Choice, Canterbury Naturals, Subway,
Eugene Running Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Beppe and Gianni's.
Runners can register today at www.eugenemarathon.com.