New This Year: A Marathon in Easier Steps for Beginning Joggers
Organizers have announced events for the 2005 Frederick Marathon Weekend. A twilight 5k will kick off the weekend's events at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 30th, followed by a postrace party and fireworks display. On Sunday, May 1st, the 26.2-mile individual race and the 4-person marathon relay will be run for the third consecutive year. New for 2005 are a 2-person marathon relay and a Progressive Marathon.

"We are pleased to add the 2-Person Marathon Relay to our events," said Rachel Ridgway, Race Director. "Each team member will run 13.1 miles, a distance currently quite popular among runners nationwide. It's definitely easier to train for a 13 mile race than a 26 mile race, so successfully finishing a half- marathon is an attainable goal for runners of almost all abilities," Ridgway adds.

The Progressive Marathon, is designed for those new to exercise. Participants will complete a total of 25.5 miles over the course of 14 weeks, beginning in January. The Progressive Marathon will conclude on Saturday, April 30th, with all participants running the final seven-tenths of a mile as a group and receiving finisher's medals, much like those given to marathon finishers. "Our goal for this event is to promote regular exercise for children and adults. I'd love to see parents and children working together to complete this program. Participants can run or walk their way through this program. Children and adults of all ages and fitness levels can participate in the Progressive Marathon. It will be an accomplishment finishers will not soon forget."

Organizers expect the weekend's events will draw over 2,000 runners to the Frederick area. The Frederick Marathon, Inc. is a non- profit organization. Proceeds from this year's race will benefit Hospice of Frederick County and several other local charities. For volunteering and detailed program information visit the marathon's website at www.frederickmarathon.org.