Montgomery Preparing For First Full Marathon
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The City of Montgomery is preparing for its first full marathon. The 26.2 mile race will take place in March. Alabama News Network is the exclusive media sponsor for the event.
Today, montgomery mayor todd strange is releasing more details about the marathon. The city’s held a half marathon in the past. But officials are hoping double the distance will bring double the attention.
The half marathon has been in october for the past four years. But now all the races will be in march.
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 35-hundred for this. The march date also means runners can train and the races will be certified Boston Marathon qualifiers. So if you make a certain time in your age division you could go on to that event.
If you’re a member of USA Trach 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.” says Greg Miles, Montgomery Multisport.
Marathon organizers tell me they’re trying to put together a 20-thousand dollar purse for the race. If they reach that goal it would be the 49th largest in the world.
We will have live coverage from the marathon in March. And watch to CBS 8 and ABC Montgomery for details leading up to the race.
