A half-marathon has been added to this year's 3rd Annual Baltimore Running Festival, taking place Saturday, October 18, 2003. The half-marathon route will start at the halfway point of the marathon course and finish at Ravens Stadium with the other races. The finishing stretch of the course takes participants through Camden Yards and down the spine to Ravens Stadium.

The half-marathon was added to the Baltimore Running Festival as another option for runners who want to run a shorter distance. The half-marathon will also be a great training run for individuals who may be participating in a subsequent fall marathon.

In addition to the marathon and the new half-marathon, the Running Festival features a 5K run, a four-person team relay, and kids' fun run. All events surrounding the Running Festival, including packet pick-up, take place at Ravens Stadium.

In other news, the overall purse for the Running Festival has increased nearly forty percent this year. First-place for the men and women's marathon champions will pay $4,000. Prize money is being offered in the half-marathon and 5K events as well. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female Maryland state residents.

Registration for all races is now open at the race Web site. Participants registering on-line will not pay a service fee this year.

For more information, contact Corrigan Sports at (410) 605- 9381.