The SunTrust Richmond Marathon has set a new record for the most entries in its 28-year history. As of midday, more than 4,300 runners have registered for the marathon, breaking last year's record total of 4,221. With one and a half weeks left to register, a total field of over 4,700 is expected by race day Saturday, November 12. This is the seventh consecutive year that the marathon has set a new entry record. The marathon's companion race, the NTELOS 8K, is on pace to shatter the record field of 4,037 participants set in 2003 with about 4,500 expected next week.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run has also set a record for the number of entries. As of midday today, more than 650 kids ages 6 through 12 are already signed up. Last year's record field topped out at 582 registrants.

The SunTrust Richmond Marathon will be held on Saturday, November 12 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at 7th and Broad Streets in downtown Richmond. The NTELOS 8K will follow at 8:35 a.m. at 9th and Broad Streets. The Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run will begin at 9th & Main Streets at 8:15 a.m.

Online entries for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, NTELOS 8K, and Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run will be accepted at www.richmondmarathon.com up until Wednesday night, November 9. After that, people can sign up in person at the Race Expo at the Omni Richmond Hotel Thursday, November 10 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, November 11 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. There is no Race Day registration.

Running for a Cause. More than twenty people directly touched by donation and transplantation are running the SunTrust Richmond Marathon or the NTELOS 8K as part of the Donate Life Team. Donate Life is the proud beneficiary of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon. The goal of the Donate Life Team is to educate people about the importance of organ and tissue donation. They will wear green Donate Life T-shirts to help spread the word about recycling life. These athletes on the attached sheet, who are running the 8K race, are interested in sharing their stories about donation and transplantation. To arrange an interview with any athletes please call Dena Reynolds, LifeNet Media Relations Manager, at 804-356-1220.

Media credential requests due by November 2. Media wishing to enter the finish line area to cover the event on November 12 must complete the attached Credential Request form and fax it back by tomorrow, Wednesday, November 2. On site security will prohibit any media not wearing a credential from entering the finish line area.

Road closings on Race Day. As the field for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon has grown, so has the need for increased street closings to accommodate the thousands of participants. Attached is a list of street closings and detours that will be in effect on Race Day. The primary message that motorists should heed when traveling on race day is to travel by interstate whenever possible.

Party locations cater to spectators. Friends or relatives wanting to be spectators along the course will want to visit one of the special SunTrust/NBC 12 Party Zones. Each location will feature music, refreshments and an on-air personality. These Party Zones will serve as a hub for spectators to show their support and enthusiasm. Party Zones will be located at:

1. Starbucks at River Road Shopping Center Party (Mile 7)
2. CVS on Forest Hill Avenue (Mile 13)
3. Buzz & Ned's BBQ on The Boulevard (Mile 19.5)
Detailed driving directions between Party Zones, aimed at avoiding road closures and traffic backups are available on the race website.

Richmondmarathon.com provides updated news. The best place for runners and the media to get updated news about the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, including traffic information and race day parking, is at www.richmondmarathon.com

2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon & NTELOS 8K Schedule
Thursday, November 10
4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Health & Fitness Expo, Packet pick-up and walk-up registration at The Omni Hotel

Friday, November 11
11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Health & Fitness Expo, Packet pick-up and walk-up registration at The Omni Hotel
11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Bus tours of marathon course
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Pasta Dinner at the Omni Hotel

Saturday, November 12
6:00 - 8:30 a.m. Packet pick-up
8:00 a.m. Marathon start (7th & Broad Streets)
8:15 a.m. Kids Run Start (9th & Main Streets)
8:35 a.m. 8K start (7th & Broad Streets)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Finish Line Festival
11:00 a.m. 8K awards ceremony for overall and masters winners
12:00 p.m. Marathon awards ceremony for overall and masters winners
3:00 p.m. Marathon course closes