(1-22-07) From Jim Estes, USATF LDR Programs Manager, courtesy Running USA wire #5-01-07 - As the countdown to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon marches on, several U.S. marathons are offering bonus incentives and special arrangements for athletes who are hoping to secure their Olympic Trials qualifying performances this coming spring.
Enticements ranging from free entry to bonus money are available to U.S. athletes wishing to take advantage of a variety of qualifying opportunities in 2007.
The National Marathon, Washington, D.C.
The second annual National Marathon produced by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance will take place on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Starting and finishing at RFK Stadium, the course will be certified as an official qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
The National Marathon is pleased to offer the following non-cumulative incentives for runners with U.S. citizenship:
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials "A" standard of 2:20:00 or better will receive a cash bonus of $1000.
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the "B" standard of 2:22:00 or better will receive $500.
* The same cash incentive is offered to U.S. women who achieve the "A" standard of 2:39:00 or the "B" standard of 2:47:00.
Interested athletes should contact race director, Keith Dowling at: racedirector@nationalmarathon.com or for more information, visit: NationalMarathon.com
The Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Louisville, KY
Held in conjunction with the Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, its companion Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2007. The course is scenic, yet challenging, including segments through Iroquois and Cherokee Parks and historic Churchill Downs, legendary site of the Kentucky Derby.
In the 2002 and 2003 events, three men and two women each qualified for the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials. 2007 will once again see an American-only time bonus structure, which will allow U.S. athletes to win prize money for finish place and outstanding performances. Limited travel and lodging is available for invited athletes.
U.S. men and women will receive non-cumulative qualifying bonuses of:
* $2000 for achieving the "A" standard of 2:20:00 (men) or 2:39 (women)
* $750 for achieving the "B" standard of 2:22:00 (men) or 2:47 (women)
For more detailed information on the race, visit the event website at: DerbyFestivalMarathon.com or contact: camille@fleetfeetlouisville.com
The Inaugural Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR
The first major marathon in Eugene since the early 1980s is set to take place on Sunday, April 29, 2007, in the city that many runners consider the mecca of the sport. The course itself is a runner-designed, fast, flat, scenic course that many feel will be an ideal place to qualify for the Olympic Trials.
The marathon will offer up to $7000 in prize money between the men's and women's races. The structured prize money is based on the qualifying marks for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon. There is also a limited travel budget for athletes interested in trying to attain a qualifying mark. More information is available at EugeneMarathon.com.
Interested athletes should contact Andy Downin at: andydownin@eugenemarathon.com
U.S. men will have until October 7, 2007 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon, which will be hosted by the New York Road Runners on Saturday, November 3, 2007.
U.S. women will have until March 20, 2008 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon, which will be hosted by the Boston Athletic Association on Sunday, April 20, 2008.
For more information on the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, visit: USATF.org
