Entry numbers for the November 12, 2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon are soaring, up 60% over this time last year, it was announced today. The 2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon boasts 1,340 registrants, an increase of 502 over the same time period in 2004, when the event went on to attract a record 4,221 entrants (a 17% increase over 2003).

Fueling some of the growth has been an increase in the number of registrants in the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team. The 25-week program that provides a hands-on, group approach to prepare runners for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon began on May 21. More than 670 participants are currently enrolled in the program, over 130 more than last year. Online registration for the program closes this Friday, June 3.

"We're thrilled with this year's growth of both the SunTrust Richmond Marathon itself and the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team," said Tracey Russell, the race's executive director. "The branding of the race as 'America's Friendliest Marathon' has really resonated with runners around the country and locally the training team has developed an outstanding reputation. It's great to see so many local first-time marathoners eagerly preparing for this year's event"

The exceptional rate of growth is nothing new for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon. Running USA's Road Running Information Center recently announced that the marathons with the most consistent growth in the last 5 years are Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank (up by 63% from 2000), SunTrust Richmond (up 60%) and Philadelphia (up 47%).

For more information see: Sun Trust Richmond Marathon home page.