See Music City, Hear Music City, Run Music City

Nashville, Tenn. (PRWEB) December 3, 2007-- The ninth annual Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon is set to hit the streets of Nashville on Saturday, April 26, 2008. Featuring many of Nashville's best live bands on 28 stages along the 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses, the musically themed road race is expected to attract 35,000 runners, walkers and junior racers. For 2008, the half-marathon will be capped at 22,500 participants and is expected to sell out prior to race week. Participants are encouraged to commit to their New Year's resolution and sign-up at www.CMMarathon.com to receive the early-entry rate before prices increase on January 1, 2008.

The Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon is recognized as the ultimate tour of Music City, USA, featuring historic sites like the Parthenon, Nashville's world-renowned Music Row and an expansive finish line festival outside the Tennessee Titan's home, LP Field, located along the Cumberland River. The event culminates with a post-race concert, which has featured past acts Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Phil Vassar, Jo Dee Messina, Diamond Rio, Martina McBride and Kenny Rogers.

In 2007, the race's unique blend of music and running produced the largest event to date with 29,082 total registered participants, a sizable increase from 22,007 in 2006.

"I encourage runners and walkers to experience Nashville's hospitality," says Adam Zocks, the event's general manager. "Each year, both the race and the Nashville community receive positive responses from runners across the U.S. and Canada. As the world's second largest combined marathon and half-marathon event, Nashville has proved to be a great running destination."

A strong youth program is contributing to the race's overall growth. The YMCA Country Music Kids' Marathon presented by Spenco Insoles is expected to draw 3,000 youth runners grades K-6 on Friday, April 25. Last year the race was moved to Friday evening, the day before the marathon and half-marathon races, to accommodate the increasing demand, and allow parents, who run in the marathon or half-marathon, to watch their children cross the official marathon finish line. The YMCA Kids' Marathon grew from 500 participants in 2003 to 2,600 participants in 2007.

Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher will continue as the spokesperson for the YMCA Country Music Kids' Marathon presented by Spenco Insoles. Even during the NFL Draft, Fisher makes time to greet the kids at the finish line and congratulate them on their success.

"The growth of the YMCA Country Music Kids' Marathon over the past few years is a reflection of each of these kids' commitment to enhance their physical activity and to reach a goal," says Fisher. "As a coach, it is very rewarding to see children motivated to cross the finish line and our hope is that they continue to do so throughout other aspects of their life."

Fulfill Your Marathon Dream

Have you ever told yourself you would run a marathon one day? Have you ever watched runners cross the finish line and feel inspired to follow in their footsteps? Running USA estimates more than 410,000 people completed a marathon in the U.S. in 2006. Free training tips, a free online training program and charity training information are available to runners and walkers at www.CMMarathon.com to help fulfill their marathon dream.

New for this year, all registered participants of Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon receive access to a complimentary online training program offered by New Balance and Active Trainer. From the first timer to the seasoned veteran, this program offers a mix of aerobic, anaerobic and cross-training workouts. The online program consists of weekly running tips, message boards, a training log and analysis, daily training emails and inspirational tips.

Those in need of additional inspiration to start training may choose to join Team In Training (TNT). This program provides professional training and support to runners and walkers while benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Over the past eight years TNT's runners and walkers have raised over $16 million (net) in their fight against cancer.

Returning sponsors include Foot Locker, New Balance, Saturn, Sugoi and Accelerade.

For more information about Elite Racing, Inc., please visit www.eliteracing.com/eventfacts.html

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