Runners all across the Mid-Atlantic and around the country should start their training routines now, because the Frederick Marathon Weekend Extravaganza is less than five months away. The weekend's events will culminate with the Second Annual Frederick Marathon on Sunday, May 2, 2004, at 7:30 a.m.

More than 1,400 runners participated in the inaugural event this past March, in a race that was run in a surprise late-spring snowstorm.

The 2004 race will feature a similar course as was run this past year, with the event being contested in both Frederick City and Frederick County. The race will begin at Harry Grove Stadium, home of the minor league Frederick Keys baseball team, and end at the ballpark's home plate. An awards ceremony will follow the marathon at the stadium.

On Saturday, May 1, 2004, runners will enjoy a full day of entertainment at Harry Grove Stadium. A sports expo on the main concourse will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 9 p.m. During that time, runners can also pick up their race packets for Sunday morning's marathon.

Saturday afternoon will feature a one-mile kids' run in the area surrounding the stadium at 3 p.m., with the 5K set to start after the conclusion of the first race. At 5 p.m. on May 1, the Frederick Keys will present a complimentary pasta dinner in the picnic area to all runners registered in Sunday's marathon. The dinner will also be available to the general public for a low cost. The evening will conclude with a free concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks show at approximately 9 p.m. that will be open to the general public.

"I am very excited about the Second Annual Frederick Marathon. It will be hard to beat the inaugural event-the record number of runners for a first-time race, the cold, the snow," said Jennifer Dougherty, mayor of the City of Frederick. "But I know that everyone is excited about returning to our wonderful city to run a great race. The excitement about expanding a new signature event that showcases the beauty we enjoy every day is absolutely contagious."

Net proceeds from this year's events will benefit Interfaith Housing of Western Maryland, a not-for-profit affordable housing developer that helps strengthen lives and build communities in Frederick County.

"We are honored to be selected as the charitable organization for the 2004 Frederick Marathon," said Steve Fox, member of the board of trustees, Interfaith Housing of Western Maryland. "This event not only brings together a community, but also attracts people from throughout the region and beyond. We look forward to supporting this event that will, no doubt, become an annual tradition in Frederick."

Runners can register for the marathon, 5K race or one-mile kids' run by visiting www.frederickmarathon.org . Both single runners and relay teams of four are eligible to run in the marathon.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the race should contact Eric Fairbanks at fairbanks-printing@erols.com, and those interested in becoming involved with the sports expo should call Joe Pinto, general manager of the Frederick Keys, at 301-662-0013.