Sports Backers announce the return of a half marathon as part of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon events next year. Slated to follow much of the same route as the second half of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, it too will have junk food stops, wet wash cloths, bands, spirit groups, and all the other extra touches expected of a Sports Backers event. The half marathon is set to start at 7:30 a.m. on Broad Street, the same site as the NTELOS 8K and SunTrust Richmond Marathon. The 31st SunTrust Richmond Marathon, Half Marathon and NTELOS 8K will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2008

A special early bird promotion for next year's half marathon and marathon will be offered this weekend only. Enter the 2008 Richmond SunTrust Marathon for $50 or the Richmond Half Marathon for $40 by signing up online at www.richmondmarathon.com from Friday, November 9th through midnight on Sunday, November 11th. There will also be Early Entry brochures at the Sports Backers booth at the Health & Fitness Expo. After November 11, the registration fees go to $60 for the marathon and $50 for the half marathon through December 31.

Record Registration Numbers

The 2007 SunTrust Richmond Marathon has shattered its all-time registration record. As of Tuesday, November 6 almost 5,000 runners had signed up for "America's Friendliest Marathon." That total breaks the marathon's previous record of 4,763 set in 2005. With registration still available through Friday, a total marathon field of more than 5,100 is expected by race day on Saturday, November 10. The marathon's companion race, the NTELOS 8K has also surpassed its record field of 5,393 participants set last year. A total field of more than 6,000 is expected for the NTELOS 8K. There have also been 500 entries in the Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run. This is the eighth time in nine years that the marathon has set a new entry record and the ninth time in ten years for the 8K.

Online registration for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, the NTELOS 8K or the Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run is available at www.richmondmarathon.com until 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, November 7. Late walk-up registration for those events can be accomplished at the Omni Richmond Hotel during the Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday, November 8 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, November 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There is no race day registration!

In all, the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, NTELOS 8K and Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run entries have already surpassed 2005's record number of 10,390. More than 1,000 Richmond area runners have registered for the marathon by signing up for the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team, a 6-month program that encourages entry level runners to attempt a marathon.

Commemorative Poster

The SunTrust Richmond Marathon has unveiled its 2007 Commemorative poster, created by local artist Robert Meganck. All proceeds from the sale of the poster benefit Donate Life, the official charity of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, working to increase organ and tissue donation. Donate Life is a program of the non-profit agencies UNOS and LifeNet and its educational efforts encourage all Americans to say "yes" to organ and tissue donation and record a donation decision.

2007 SunTrust Richmond Marathon & NTELOS 8K Schedule

Thursday, November 8
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.        Health & Fitness Expo 
Packet pick-up and walk-up registration at Omni Hotel
Friday, November 9
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.  Health & Fitness Expo
Packet pick-up and walk-up registration at 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 10
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
3:00 p.m.	        Marathon course closes
7:00 p.m.	        Crocs Marathon Concert at Toad's Place featuring Alex Band