Runners of all ages and skill sets will take to the streets of Alpharetta at 7 AM, March 2, 2008, for the 2nd Annual Alpharetta Marathon and Half Marathon presented by LifeTime Fitness. The 26.2-mile Boston Marathon-qualifying course winds through the beautiful scenery of Alpharetta and provides the perfect racing opportunity for newbies and the experienced, alike. Musical motivation for runners will come from bands located every three miles along the course while water stations every one and a half miles along the course will ensure athletes stay hydrated. Drawing from a $4,000 purse, cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in each age group for the marathon. Runners can rest easy the night before the race in any one of Alpharetta’s 23 upscale and modern hotels, many of which are offering special discounted “marathon” rates, posted on the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau website: www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com.

In honor of Alpharetta’s 2008 Sesquicentennial Celebration, the Alpharetta CVB is paying homage to the anniversary of our city by incorporating “150” into several of the marathon’s components. The registered runner that travels the furthest for the marathon will receive $150. The 150th person to pass the half marathon finish line will receive $150 and the 150th person to pass the marathon finish line will receive $150.

Even though the marathon is a couple months away, you can start participating today! That’s right—just be one of the first 150 runners to register for the marathon by logging onto www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com to tell us why you chose to run this race—and you’ll receive $20. And—if you’re not ready to run a marathon, show your support by signing up at www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com to cheer on runners at select times and locations along the race course. By registering your group of 10 or more “cheerleaders”, you will receive $150 towards the organization of your choice. Hurry up and snag a cheer spot today—there are only 13 places along the course—which means only 13 opportunities for you to earn $150 for your organization!

A portion of the proceeds from the marathon will go to support the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, a charitable organization supporting programs ranging from breast cancer awareness and education to research and early detection. The 2nd Annual Alpharetta Marathon and Half Marathon is made possible through the generosity and support of the following sponsors: ADP, Alpharetta CVB, Bank of North Georgia, Choicepoint, City of Alpharetta, and North Fulton Regional Hospital.