Registration is open for the second ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon & 10K, presented by New Balance. ZOOMA Annapolis will run from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on May 31, 2009 and will include a half-marathon, 10K, and kid's fun run. Girls on the Run Annapolis, a non-profit educational and running program for pre-adolescent girls (ages 8-13), is the official charity partner of ZOOMA Annapolis.

"We are excited to launch the second ZOOMA Annapolis race," said Brae Blackley, Executive Director for ZOOMA Women's Race Series. "Last year's race received an overwhelmingly positive response from runners and community leaders, and we're thrilled to bring another ZOOMA event to Anne Arundel County."

Designed to inspire women to lead healthy lives with more perks and bigger parties, ZOOMA Annapolis invites women to indulge in a healthy and energizing weekend. The race will be held on May 31, 2009 starting from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in downtown Annapolis. Participants will run a new course through the historic district and over the Naval Academy Bridge before finishing waterfront on the Severn River. Spectators and participants will enjoy a huge post-race party in the Stadium end zone including live music, shopping, catered lunch, wine, and spa treatments. ZOOMA will encourage runners to form special Girls on the Run fundraising teams as part of their participation in the event and will donate at least $3 of every entry fee to Girls on the Run Annapolis.

Girls on the Run Annapolis is a non-profit educational and running program for pre-adolescent girls (ages 8-13) that strengthens girls physically, emotionally, and socially in preparation to face the upcoming pressures of adolescence. Founded in 2005, GOTR Annapolis currently serves nearly 200 girls at eight program locations in Anne Arundel County.

"We are thrilled to partner with ZOOMA in an event that promotes the well-being of women and families," says Beth Howell, Council Director for GOTR Annapolis. "By partnering with ZOOMA, we have the opportunity to raise awareness for GOTR's work in Anne Arundel County and to raise funds to support the increasing demand for GOTR programs at 'scholarship' schools that require significant financial support."

GOTR Annapolis will recruit ZOOMA participants to run as part of special fundraising teams to support high demand for expanded GOTR programs at local schools. Currently, approximately 30% of GOTR Annapolis participants receive scholarship funding, which means that participants' program fees are covered partly or fully by the organization. With the help of ZOOMA Annapolis, GOTR Annapolis hopes to raise enough funds to support a total of 15 programs in fall 2009. ZOOMA Annapolis participants enjoy much more than a run. The day before the race, runners will collect race day packets at the ZOOMA Marketplace presented by splits:59, where participants can also browse cutting-edge gear and apparel designed especially for women. After the race, the ZOOMA After- Party Expo is a combination of post-race celebration and "girls' weekend" party.

In photo, Christina Morganti (43) of Severna Park, MD wins the 10K in 40:18.

About Girls on the Run Annapolis: GOTR Annapolis is a chapter of Girls on the Run International, established in 1996 by Molly Barker, a marathon runner and Ironman triathlete. Today, there are over 140 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, with several new locations added every year. Founded in 2005, GOTR Annapolis began with one location and two teams totaling 20 girls. In spring 2008, GOTR Annapolis managed nine program sites with a total of 13 classes and 195 girl participants. GOTR Annapolis is a not-for-profit organization that exists solely by program fees, and individual and corporate donations and grants. For further information about GOTR Annapolis, please visit www.gotrannapolis.org.

About ZOOMA Women's Race Series: ZOOMA Women's Race Series is a national series of women's half marathon races designed to inspire women to lead healthy lives with more perks and bigger parties. ZOOMA participants enjoy a host of free luxuries, including comprehensive training resources, an unprecedented race day experience, and a unique After-Party Expo complete with shopping, mini spa treatments, wine tastings, free lunch, live music and much more. For more information about ZOOMA Women's Race Series, please visit www.zoomarun.com. ZOOMA Women's Race Series 2009 events are presented by New Balance.

For more information about race registration, travel, and weekend logistics, please visit races.zoomarun.com/annapolis.html or contact ZOOMA at info@zoomarun.com or for the direct link for online registration.

For a look at the inaugural race see the 2008 Race Report with Photo Gallery.