April 9, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:  Mitch Varnes

info@themelbournemarathon.com  / 321-759-7200

USA TRACK & FIELD AWARDS THREE YEAR EXTENSION TO MELBOURNE MUSIC HALF MARATHON

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA'S PREMIERE WEEKEND-LONG DISTANCE RUNNING EVENT TO HOST

 MASTERS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACE THROUGH 2015

Melbourne, Fla. - The State Farm Melbourne Music Marathon Weekend is today announcing that USA Track & Field, the national governing body for track and field, long distance running and race walking in the United States, has awarded it a three-year extension as host of its annual Masters National Championship Half-Marathon.

Melbourne's ½ marathon has served as USATF's Masters National Championship race since 2009 and will continue to do so through 2015.   

"It has been an honor and a privilege for our race and community to host a national title race, and we couldn't be more excited to continue doing so for the next few years," said Melbourne Music Marathon Weekend race founder Mitch Varnes.  "Our partnership with USATF has been a mutually advantageous one, and we are very pleased by this announcement."

"USATF is proud to extend its agreement with Melbourne and Smooth Running, LLC for the USA Masters Half Marathon Championship," said USATF Masters Long Distance Running Chairman Donald Lein.  "We have been pleased with the community support that this event has engendered since its beginning.  We are also very happy with the professionalism of the staff that contributes to this race truly being one of the better Half Marathons in America."

As host of the National Championship Masters Half Marathon, Melbourne routinely sees the nation's best 40 and over runners on its course; including former world record holders, Olympians and winners of premiere races such as the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon.

Aside from the half-marathon, the Melbourne Music Marathon Weekend comprises a health and fitness expo, a kids run, 5k, 8k, full marathon and a hand cycle marathon.

The Melbourne Music Marathon has been declared to be Melbourne's Signature Sporting Event.  It will next be held on February 2 &3, 2013.  Complete information can be found at www.themelbournemarathon.com

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