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.

The SunTrust Richmond Marathon today set a new record for the most entries in its 27-year history. As of midday, over 3,600 runners had registered for the marathon, breaking last year's record total of 3,595. With two and a half weeks left to register, a total field of over 4,000 is expected by race day on Saturday, November 13. This is the sixth consecutive year that the marathon has set a new entry record.

The marathon's companion race, the NTELOS 8k, is on pace to match last year's record field of just over 4,000 participants.

The SunTrust Richmond Marathon will be held on Saturday, November 13 beginning at 8 am at 7th and Broad Streets in downtown Richmond. The NTELOS 8k will follow at 8:45 am at 9th and Broad Streets.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run, with an expected field of over 500, will begin at 9th & Main Streets at 8:15 am.

Online entries for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, NTELOS 8k and Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run will be accepted at www.richmondmarathon.com up until Thursday night, Nov. 11. After that, people can sign up in person at the Race Expo at the Omni Richmond Hotel on Friday, November 12 from 11 am until 9 pm. There is no Race Day registration.

Spectator Party Zones
Friends or relatives wanting to spectate 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.

New Course for the Childrens Run
The Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run will feature a new, longer course in 2004. The 1-mile run starts at 9th & Main Streets, heads west to 2nd Street, south to Cary Street and then east to the finish line that it shares with the marathon and 8k at 10th & Cary Streets.

The event is open to kids ages 6 through 12 and registration is available at www.richmondmarathon.com for $15. Many participants will be using the race to complete the final leg of their 26-mile "Kids Marathon" as part of the Sports Backers' Fit For Life running program. The program, which was launched in September and boasts over 3,700 participants, is offered through local schools and community organizations and strives to introduce elementary and middle school-aged participants to the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.

2004 SunTrust Richmond Marathon & NTELOS 8k Schedule

Friday, November 12
11 am - 9 pm      	Health & Fitness Expo, Packet pick-up and walk-up
 registration at The Omni Hotel
11:30 am - 3 pm 	Bus tours of marathon course 
4:30 pm 	        "How to Run Your Best Marathon" seminar with Bart Yasso
 of Runner's World at Expo
6 - 8 pm	        Pasta Dinner at the Omni Hotel



Saturday, November 13
6 - 8:30 am	        Packet pick-up
8:00 am             	Marathon start (7th & Broad Streets)
8:15 am          	Kids Run Start (9th & Main Streets)
8:45 am         	8k start (9th & Broad Streets)
9 am - 2 pm         	Finish Line Festival
11:00 am	        8k awards ceremony for overall and masters winners
12 pm           	Marathon awards ceremony for overall and masters winners