Green Bay, WI – The 2010 Cellcom Green Bay Marathon Kick-Off Party will be held on Wednesday, January 6 at The Grand (formerly the SC Grand), 1250 Mid Valley Drive, De Pere. The annual event will begin with a social at 5:30 p.m. and the program starting at 6:00 p.m.
"The kick-off party helps wake the runners from the doldrums of winter. In addition, the event helps motivate first timers towards a lofty goal right after they've made their New Year's Resolution to get fit," said Sean Ryan, race director for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. "It's not easy to get runners thinking about training for a marathon or half marathon in the depths of winter, but it's important that they start thinking ahead now if they want to be prepared by May."
To help get runners fired-up, running legend Bill Rodgers will share his personal journey. His story begins in 1973, when "Boston Billy" entered his first Boston Marathon, but dropped out after 21 miles. The next year he came in 14th. In 1975 Rodgers set a course record (2:09:55) and went on to win it three more times.
The program will also feature a re-cap video from 2009, and an overview of the 2010 event – including the move to a two-day event and how it will impact the overall set up of race weekend.
The kick-off party is the last chance for runners to get early-bird registration pricing. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required.
Prevea is sponsoring a free sports medicine seminar on Barefoot Running prior to the kick-off party. This half-hour program starts at 5:15 p.m. in the Lounge at The Grand. Podiatrist April Borchardt and physical therapist and licensed athletic trainer Heidi Gutschow will review what barefoot running means to your body, the pros and cons of barefoot running and stretching and exercises for plantar fasciitis. Pre-registration is required for this event. Call (920)272-1563 or visit www.prevea.com and click on Community Calendar to register. All attendees are eligible to enter a drawing for door prizes.
The eleventh annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will take place on May 14-16, 2010. Over the past 10 years, the race has generated over $320,000 in proceeds for local charities. The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon seeks to create community spirit through a world-class marathon for people of all athletic abilities. For more information visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.
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