Special $60 entry fee for the first 1,500 participants; new timed 2-mile hill stretch will be a race within a race

ST. LOUIS  – GO! St. Louis, a local not-for-profit organization that specializes in providing fitness events and programs for the region on a year-round basis, announced that online registration for the popular GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend will open on Tuesday, September 4 at 8:00am, central time.

In celebration of the 13^th running of the event, set for April 6-7, 2013, race organizers will offer a special registration promotion - $60, to the first 1,500 participants, who register for the marathon or half-marathon race. Online registration is available through the organization’s website – www.gostlouis.org

In addition, the race course will now feature a race within a race, with an uphill portion stretching from approximately Mile 6 to Mile 8 being officially timed. This portion of the course has been named Holy Hill, which was chosen in a contest by participants. Competitors will receive an additional time for this stretch of the course, while age group winners will receive a fun “king and queen of the hill” finisher medal. Also, added entertainment, increased spectator support and a variety of festive features will highlight this area.

“Now entering our 13^th year, we wanted to take a fresh look at our event and how we could enhance the overall participant experience,“ said Nancy Lieberman, GO! St. Louis president. “For many years, competitors from all over the world told us how much they enjoyed the beautiful course and the city of St. Louis, so as St. Louis’ original marathon we set out to highlight the challenging, but scenic downtown course. I think some of the new options we have added will not only increase the fun-factor, but showcase all things that are original to our great city”.

Playing off the idea that the event is St Louis’ original marathon, the organization plans to offer finish line food items that make St. Louis special. Also, new St. Louis original-themed cheer zones along the course will be added.

The GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend was established in 2000, and attracts participants of all ages and fitness abilities. The innovative event features a marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K, GO! St. Louis Read, Right and Run Marathon^®, Children’s Fun Runs and a Mature Mile, and traditionally draws 25,000 participants and 50,000 spectators over two days.

2012 Sponsors:

Express Scripts, PNC Bank, McCarthy Building Companies, KMOX Radio, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Lockton Companies, Big River Running Company, Michelob ULTRA, Emerson, Drury Hotels, Centene Corporation, The Staenberg Family Foundation, KSDK-TV News Channel 5, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, ALIVE Magazine, Pasta House Company, KPMG, Brighton Agency, Absopure, ESCO, St. Louis Injury & Rehab and Gatorade Endurance.