CALENDAR | RESULTS | HIGH SCHOOLS | COLLEGES | NEWS | LINKS | WEATHER
|
CALENDAR | RESULTS | HIGH SCHOOLS | COLLEGES | NEWS | LINKS | WEATHER |
|
Major Course Change Announced For Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon Detroit, Michigan, 6/3/99 This year's Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank International Marathon will undergo major course changes, making the 26.2 mile race exciting, unique and challenging for the 3,000 runners, race walkers and wheelers who are expected to participate. The Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 17, 1999. New to this year's course will be a start outside historic Tiger Stadium crossing over the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Ontario and a finish inside Tiger Stadium with spectators filling the stands. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel will continue to serve as the "underwater mile" as runners make their way back to the United States from Canada. Detroit's Belle Isle and theatre district, along with Windsor's beautiful Riverside Drive, will also be part of the course, as in the past 21 years. Heath Meriwether, publisher of the Detroit Free Press, states, ''We've had wonderful cooperation from everyone involved to fashion what I think is a course that truly celebrates our city, our relationship with Canada and our traditions. I couldn't be happier at what Doug Kurtis has been able to accomplish." Doug Kurtis, race director, has been working with both cities of Detroit and Windsor, along with officials from the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Ambassador Bridge and the Tiger's organization to coordinate this exciting race course. "The excitement I've derived from sharing ideas and transforming them into reality will hopefully reach runners, spectators, local residents, churches and businesses. Those with whom I have come in contact seem inspired by the fresh new paint on our hometown event," says Kurtis. "This is just one of the many changes to come for the all new Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank International Marathon. We're very excited about the new transition and look forward to the community's involvement on race day," states Gary Burkart, Vice President and National Advertising Manager of Flagstar Bank. Flagstar Bank is the largest independent savings institution head-quartered in Michigan and this is their second year as title sponsor of the race. Dan Stamper, president of the Detroit International Bridge Company says, "As the number one international border crossing in North America, the Ambassador Bridge is pleased to be the marathoners' link to Canada. May our partnership with the Detroit Free Press be as strong as our bridge with our Canadian neighbors." The event was founded by the Motor City Striders 37 years ago. 1999 is the 22nd year of Detroit Free Press involvement. This rich history makes the Marathon the eighth oldest in the Country. The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank International Marathon also has a history of generosity. Thanks to runner's pledges, more than $2 million have been donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society since 1982. Other Marathon-related events, taking place October 15-17, will be the M-Care Health and Fitness Expo and Pasta Party, Old Navy Race Day 5k, Tim Horton's Corporate Relay and the Kids Marathon Mile. For more information on the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank International Marathon or to obtain an entry form, call 313-222-6676 or e-mail us at [email protected] |