Fast, flat course makes Yuma Marathon great place to qualify for Boston
January 29 event is "big-time" race with small-town feel
YUMA, ARIZONA – The second annual Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon, a fast Boston-qualifying course boasting less than 70 feet in elevation change, is less than three months away. The race, scheduled for Saturday Jan. 29 (2011), is organized by the Caballeros de Yuma, a Yuma-based civic organization.
The 26.2 mile course has been certified with the USA Track and Field as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. Temperatures range in the low 50’s and as the sun comes up, visibility can increase to 10 miles. The race leads runners through the beauty of the desert southwest and through the rural communities that make up the heart of the nation’s lettuce and winter vegetable industry.
The race begins at the Cocopah Indian Reservation and passes through Somerton, Arizona. It continues through Gadsden, Arizona and into the city limits of San Luis, Arizona. An expo at the end of the race is hosted by the Cocopah Casino with drinks, food, sports massages and entertainment for participants and spectators. The host hotel is just steps away from the start and finish so parking and accommodations are a breeze for race participants and cheering sections.
Last year’s winner, Rance Myers, crossed the finish line in under three hours. “It definitely allows for a fast time,” he said. “There are minimal turns so runners can get in stride and just go.”
The first year brought nearly 200 runners to the area. “We were thrilled with the number of entrants and the success of our inaugural run,” race organizer Dr. Bob Brown said. “It’s a big-time race with a small-town feel.”
The Caballeros de Yuma were formed in 1962 by a group of 20 businessmen who work to plan quality events for both Yumans and tourists who visit the area. The second annual Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29 at 7:00 a.m. Register now at http://yumamarathon.com./
Yuma Visitors Bureau markets the Yuma area within the travel and tourism industry and to the general public. The nonprofit is funded in part by City of Yuma hospitality tax revenues. Direct travel spending in Yuma County totaled more than $577 million in 2009 and supported nearly 6,000 jobs. Travel spending in the county also generated more than $36 million in state and local taxes.
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Susan Sternitzke, 928-376-0100 (office), 928-246-9255 (cell), susan@visityuma.com
202 S. 1st Avenue, Suite 202, Yuma, Arizona 85364 / www.visityuma.com
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