WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsMyrtle Beach to host 2010 mini marathon

Myrtle Beach to host 2010 mini marathon

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Myrtle Beach is already gearing up for a three-year event expected to bring 6,000 runners and walkers into the streets as part of the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon Weekend.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce teamed with Continental Events and Sports Management Group LLC to bring the event, with an inaugural event to be held Oct. 22-24, 2010. The marathon is set for October in 2011 and 2012, as well.

According to a press release from the MBACC, the weekend activities will include a two-day health and fitness expo, a coastal 5K race, one-mile doggie dash to benefit the Grand Strand Humane Society, 80-meter high heel run to benefit the GSHS, and a 13.1-mile marathon.

"Continental Events and Sports Management has developed an action-packed weekend that will be sure to bring repeat visitors to the Myrtle Beach area," said Brad Dean, MBACC president and CEO. "The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon will grow our lineup of shoulder-season events while providing a unique offering that combines health and fitness with charitable giving. The races to benefit the Grand Strand Humane Society will add an entertaining fundraising touch."

The marathon course will begin at Freestyle Music Park, taking walkers and runners by Coastal Grand Mall, down Robert Grissom Parkway and Broadway at the Beach, to the ocean and south on Ocean Boulevard to the new Myrtle Beach boardwalk to the finish line at Plyler Park.

"This event is strategically planned at the beginning of the running season when temperatures are in the low 60s so participants can enjoy a great running event and a last getaway weekend at the beach before winter sets in," said Robert Pozo, race founder and director. "There really is no better way to showcase this key vacation destination than with a walking or running tour through the area’s highlights, especially with the finish line on the new boardwalk. We are very honored and proud to be able to work with such wonderful Myrtle Beach groups and agencies in making this one of the premiere destination races over the next few years."

Registration for the inaugural marathon opens at 6 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009. Registration will be reduced from $60 to $30 for the first 200 registrants, $36 for the next 200 registrants, followed by $42 for the remainder of the week ending at midnight Oct. 29. Regular fees will be $60 after the special pricing expires.

To register and for more information, visit www.runmyrtlebeach.com.

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