Popular loop course remains; small changes accommodate neighborhoods, changing cityscape
AUSTIN, Texas - (January 20, 2009) - After incorporating input from race participants and the city's residents, the 2009 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon course is official. Race organizers focused on maintaining the integrity of the course by keeping the race in the central city and giving runners a tour of Austin's most scenic neighborhoods, while easing community concerns about major traffic roadblocks. This year's event is Sunday, February 15.
Changes to last year's course are as follows:
* Start Line moved from 200 Block of Congress Avenue to Congress Avenue Bridge
* Finish Line moved to 900 Block of Congress Avenue
* Krebs Lane and Ft. McGruder Lane used for southern turnaround instead of Lightsey Road
* Runners cross from Jackson Avenue to Bull Creek Road at 39th Street instead of 41st Street
* Duval Street used instead of Red River Street between miles 22 and 24
* University of Texas campus removed from route
"This year's improvements assure the race is enjoyable and exciting for both participants and the Austin community," said Race Director John Conley. "We concentrate on providing the challenging and unique course that runners expect when they choose to run this marathon."
The 2009 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon registration continues to follow the growth trends of the past several years. Registration for both races is up more than 12 percent compared to numbers from the record-setting, sold-out 2008 race. For more race information, go to: AustinMarathon.com.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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