Featuring the largest field in its 27-year history, the 2004 SunTrust Richmond Marathon will generate a huge economic impact for the Richmond region. Using standard economic impact formulas utilized by the Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, including its companion races the NTELOS 8K and Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run, will pump $3.5 million into the local economy.

The boost the event provides the area is the result of record-size fields in both the 26.2-mile marathon and the 8K. Combined, the two races have currently attracted a total of more than 2,050 out-of-state participants and another 800 Virginians who live more than 50 miles from Richmond. And, the number of spectators coming with those runners is expected to top 5,500 people this year.

"The economic benefit of hosting 'America's Friendliest Marathon' (the nation's 22nd largest) goes well beyond filling area hotel rooms and restaurants," said Jon Lugbill, executive director of the Sports Backers, who own and operate the race. "The positive experience the thousands of visiting runners take with them by seeing the James River, Monument Avenue, the Museums on the Boulevard, Shockoe Slip, and our many beautiful neighborhoods generates a lasting impression."

"Sports tourism is such a valuable asset to this community," said Jack Berry, president and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Visitors coming to the region for sporting events also stop to enjoy our cultural and historic sites. They then become our best ambassadors, recommending the Richmond region to their friends and other runners.

"Another factor that continues to increase the economic impact of the event is the number of first time marathoners participating in America's Friendliest Marathon. The Disney Marathon has learned through surveys that first time marathoners will bring on average four spectators per participant to the event. Because Richmond has become known for outstanding customer service for the runner this has led to one in three participants of this year's event being a first time marathoner, thus greatly enhancing the number of visitors to the Richmond area.Runners from all over the country and the world are registered to run. Currently there are registered runners from 46 different states plus the District of Columbia and seven foreign countries (Canada, France, Guatemala, Japan, The Netherlands, and Thailand). This does not include elite athletes who are scheduled to run.

Record field keeps growing. The SunTrust Richmond Marathon continues to increase its record for the most entries in the 27-year history of the event. As of November 8, more than 3,940 runners had registered for the marathon, shattering last year's record total of 3,595. With four days left to register, a total field of 4,200 is expected by race day on Saturday, November 13. This is the sixth consecutive year that the marathon has set a new entry record. The marathon's companion race, the NTELOS 8K, is slightly ahead of last year's registration pace, when a record field of 4,037 participants registered.

Online entries for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, NTELOS 8K, and Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run will be accepted at www.richmondmarathon.com until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday night, Nov. 11. After that, people can register in person at the Race Expo at the Omni Richmond Hotel on Friday, November 12 from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. There is no race day registration.

Marathon and 8K to impact Saturday morning traffic. Motorists traveling about town on Saturday morning will want to be aware of race day road closures and traffic pattern changes. When in doubt, motorists are always encouraged to stick to the interstates when navigating around town, even when it may not be the shortest route.

Richmondmarathon.com provides updated news. The best place for runners and the media to get updated news about the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, including traffic information and race day parking, is at www.richmondmarathon.com.

2004 SunTrust Richmond Marathon & NTELOS 8K Schedule

Friday, November 12
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.	Health & Fitness Expo, Packet pick-up and 
                         walk-up registration at The Omni Hotel
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.	Bus tours of marathon course 
4:30 p.m.	        "How to Run Your Best Marathon" seminar 
                          with Bart Yasso of Runner's World at Expo
6 - 8 p.m.	        Pasta Dinner at the Omni Hotel
Saturday, November 13
6 - 8:30 a.m.	        Packet pick-up at the Omni Hotel
8 a.m.	                Marathon start (7th & Broad Streets)
8:15 a.m.	        Kids Run Start (9th & Main Streets)
8:45 a.m.	        8K start (9th & Broad Streets)
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.	        Finish Line Festival
11 a.m.	                8K awards ceremony for overall and 
                         masters winners
12 p.m.	                Marathon awards ceremony for overall 
                         and masters winners

For more information and to register on-line, visit the race Web site: www.richmondmarathon.com.

Read the article about Elly Rono setting the course record in the 2003 Richmond Marathon.