Montgomery Prepares to Host First Full Marathon
The City of Montgomery is holding its first full marathon. The 26.2 mile race is in March. That’s double the distance of the run the city usually holds in October. Alabama News Network is the exclusive media sponsor for the event.
The half marathon has been in October for the past four years. The full marathon is set for March 14th. The timing coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march, which is expected to bring thousands to the city.
The half marathon usually draws about 2-thousand runners. City officials are expecting up to 3,500 for this. The march date also means runners can train and the races will be certified Boston Marathon qualifiers. If you make a certain time in your age division, you could go on to that event. If you’re a member of USA Track and Field and you win your event, there’s a big title up for grabs.
“They will be the state champion in that distance. We’re also putting together a large purse so we can bring in racers from the outside. I know we’ve had some professionals in the Colorado area to sign up and we’ll have a lot more from Atlanta and the general area going after the money,” said Greg Miles with Montgomery Multisport.
Miles says a $20,000 purse could be up for grabs, giving the Montgomery Marathon the 49th biggest purse prize in the world. However, with up to 500 runners expected to travel from out of town to compete, city officials say it’s the city that’s the real winner.
“It is the new Montgomery. All of that is really going to serve to put a better face on Montgomery for the thousands that are going to be there that month,” said Mayor Todd Strange.
Proceeds from the event go to charity. Organizers hope to raise at least $10,000. We will have live coverage from the marathon in March. Watch to CBS 8 and ABC Montgomery for more details leading up to the race.
