More than 2,000 Runners Will Participate

Sedona, Az (October 21, 2011) – On Saturday, February 4, 2012, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, along with the entire Sedona area, will welcome thousands of runners, their families and friends for a weekend of fierce competition and neighborly camaraderie in the world famous resort destination of Sedona, Arizona. This year the marathon is already drawing attention from Elite Athletes Internationally. They have had requests from as far away as Ethiopia.

Hank Risley, the Michigan 2008 Runner of the year, is one of the athletes who has already committed to the event. Risley has an inspiring background. He started racing at the age of 38 because his sister in law challenged him to train for a marathon. She even drew up a training schedule for him. He stuck to the program and even found new friends through a local running club. Through a lot of hard work he has become what is considered a master runner and even came back after being severely injured when he was hit by a car.

Elite Athletes must go through an approval process to be part of the 2012 Sedona Marathon. Hank Risley’s qualifying time of 2:44:13 in the Traverse City Bayshore Marathon is actually under the current Sedona Marathon course record of 2:44:22 set by Jason Wolfe of Flagstaff in 2010. This year’s race is on track to be the fastest yet.

More than 2,000 runners will participate in 5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon races which will take the runners through the scenic Coconino National Forest District, known for its magical red rock formations, and onto the streets of what Good Morning America has chosen as one of the Top 10 most beautiful cities in the United States. Spectators, supporters and participants will also be treated to an expo featuring vendors, artists and live performers that will entertain and inspire.

During its six-year history, the Sedona Marathon has quickly gained international recognition, not only for its breathtaking course but also as training opportunity. It has drawn several Olympic competitors including Beijing Triathlon Silver Medal winner Simon Whitfield and 2012 Olympic hopeful Ryan Hall. Japanese sports reporter Hajime Nishi has named the event one of his top ten favorite worldwide marathons, and National Geographic Adventurer Magazine featured it as one of the great “instant weekend adventures.”

Featuring four races, the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races, participants are able to walk, jog, or run in all four races. One of the hallmarks of the Sedona Marathon is that participants come from all walks of life. Last year the youngest “athlete” on this breathtaking course was 3 and the oldest was 84.

The 7th Annual Sedona Marathon will take place on February 4, 2012. Join the fun by registering, coming out to cheer or volunteering. For details and registration information go to www.sedonamarathon.com or call 877-778-4397.

Contact:

Mindy Mendelsohn   (c) Mendelsohn PR    928-203-9215    213-268-0641    MendelsohnPR@gmail.com