This year's 29th running of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon on November 11 will take on special significance as the event recognizes Veterans Day. A host of special features will serve to honor our country's veterans and active duty personnel entered in both the marathon and its companion race, the NTELOS 8K.

"The SunTrust Richmond Marathon is proud to honor all the brave men and women who have served and defended the United States throughout its history," said race director Tracey Russell. "This is the first time the event has ever taken place on Veterans Day and we are pleased to have this opportunity."

Among the ways the event will honor Veterans Day include distributing special red, white, and blue bibs to be worn by veterans/active duty military personnel running in either race, special bibs to be worn by family and friends in honor of military and veterans with the honoree's name, special True Blue bracelets to be given to veterans and those honoring veterans and active duty military personnel, a military band to play the national anthem at the start of the event, and other special recognition along both race routes. The bibs and bracelets will be available at the NTELOS booth at the event's Health & Fitness Expo on November 9-10.

The 2006 SunTrust Richmond Marathon will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2006. Registration is available at www.richmondmarathon.com. The registration fee for the marathon is $85 while the NTELOS 8K is $30 and the Times- Dispatch Kids Run costs $20.