The National Marathon celebrates the nation's birthday with its "Dollar per State Rate."

The Greater Washington Sports Alliance announces the 2nd annual running of the National Marathon and Half Marathon to be held on Saturday, March 24, 2007. In recognition of our country's independence and the freedom running provides, runners are encouraged to take advantage the National Marathon "Dollar per State Rate," a special four day rate of $50 for the marathon and $40 for the half marathon. The offer begins at 12:01 am EST on July 4th and runs through July 7th at 11:59 pm, after which the standard rate of $75 dollars for the marathon and $55 for the half marathon applies through September 12, 2006.

The National Marathon and Half Marathon debuted on March 25, 2006 with nearly 2200 registrants and 1800 finishers. This was District's third attempt at a spring marathon with the first one going back to the early '80s and the second one ending on a sour note in 2003. "Year one was all about focusing on the major, 'big ticket' items," said race director Keith Dowling. "Our goal was to create a strong first impression and provide the runners with a solid organizational foundation in which a rich tradition can grow."

Building on the 2006 foundation, the 2007 National Marathon and Half Marathon will feature a mix of our country's most famous landmarks, monuments, and memorials blended with some of Washington DC's emerging and eclectic neighborhoods. New to the 2007 edition is the National Marathon Team Challenge. The NMTC will feature several divisions including a battle between the Official Running Club partners of the National Marathon.

"Growing up playing team sports, and recognizing the bonds that can be created through team camaraderie, I thought it was important that we engage our running club partners with a slice of the race that they can call their own," said the Greater Washington Sports Alliance president Bob Sweeney. "Plus it will be exciting to see who comes out on top and can claim bragging rights as the fastest club in the Greater Washington Region."

For more information or to register for the National Marathon run to www.NationalMarathon.com.

Read Jim Hage's Race Day Report from the inaugural event, March 25, 2006.

See last year's Full Race Day Results.