Saturday, April 14, 2007, beginning at 8:00 a.m

Already earning a desirable reputation for its myriad of outdoor recreation activities, Chesapeake is adding a new option to its year-round fitness appeal: half marathon. Maximizing the city's newly-opened Dismal Swamp Trail off Route 17, the new Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon is the perfect complement to Chesapeake's outdoor activity calendar and is expected to draw a field of elite athletes.

Slated for Saturday, April 14, 2007, the 13.1-mile foot race follows a straight, pancake-flat course to a large turnaround terminal, enticing runners on a spectacular journey through both lush landscape and rich history. Forested wetlands and the legend of the Underground Railway are sure to compete for runners' attention while simultaneously imparting a peaceful path through the wilderness.

With a course certified and sanctioned by USA Track & Field (USATF), the out-and-back race begins at 8:00 a.m. Due to its venue, the event is limited to 2,500 runners, and applications will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. The race is ChampionChip timed with splits provided at the three, six, and ten-mile marks. Participants must be capable of completing the course in 31/2 hours or less.

Early registration is $45 per person or $50 beginning January 3, 2007, and can be completed online at www.dismalswampstomp.com. Entries must be postmarked or submitted electronically by dates noted to qualify for discount. If the field is still open after April 6, 2007, late registration of $55 will be accepted on-site only at the Health and Fitness Expo at the Chesapeake Conference Center on April 12 and 13, 2007.

A total prize purse of $10,000 will be awarded, but every registered participant receives a half marathon race event number, disposable timing chip and band, inaugural sweatshirt and Swamp Stomp souvenir goodie bag available at the Expo. All race finishers also receive a commemorative medal and entry to the post-race party with complimentary beverages and live entertainment.

"The half marathon distance is a perfect match for the Dismal Swamp Trail and allows runners the opportunity to incorporate the great outdoors into their workout and fitness regime," says Kim Murden, Chesapeake tourism director.

The Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon is produced by KaleRunning.com and sponsored by the City of Chesapeake. For more information, please call KaleRunning.com at 1-757-373-4174 or Chesapeake Conventions & Tourism toll-free at 1-888-889-5551, or click on www.dismalswampstomp.com.