USRS to Host First Watch Sarasota Half-Marathon

Race scheduled for March 14, 2010 includes 5K

SARASOTA, Fla. - U.S. Road Sports & Entertainment Group (USRS), endurance event management specialists including the ING Miami Marathon, ING Georgia Marathon, 13.1 MarathonR Series and Chicago Half-Marathon, has purchased the rights for the Sarasota Marathon and Half-Marathon from founder Lisette Riverton, who successfully ran the race for the past four years.

While the 2010 race will only include the Half-Marathon and a 5K Run, USRS has not ruled out the return of the marathon in future years and believes the event has the potential of becoming one of the most popular half and full marathon courses in the country.

"Sarasota's beauty as a destination, the fast course and scenery, starting at the Ringling Museum of Art, going along Sarasota Bay and over the Ringling Bridge, make this a race upon which dreams are made of," said Greg Laird, CEO and Founding Partner, USRS. "The community-wide support, weather and ideal running temperatures only add to the event's appeal," Laird added.

The start and finish are at the historic and cultural John and Mable Ringling Museum. This out and back course runs along some of Sarasota's most popular sights: the Ringling Museum, Bay Shore Neighborhoods, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Centennial Park, The Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Bayfront Park & Marina and the John Ringling Bridge with the turn around located on Bird Key.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Community Haven, a local organization that assists adults and children with disabilities

WHEN: First Watch Sarasota Half-Marathon - Start at John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road (at US41/Tamiami Trail), Sarasota, FL 34243 Sunday, March 14, 2010 7 am Start (ChampionChip timing).

Sarasota 5K: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 7 am same-day registration, 7:45 am race start.

WHERE: Sarasota, Florida On Florida's Gulf (West) Coast, one hour south of Tampa International Airport off I-75 with close in access from SRQ International Airport in Sarasota.

COURSE INFO: The First Watch Sarasota Half-Marathon is an out and back course open to runners and walkers with a four-hour time limit. There is a male/female push rim wheelchair division for the 2010 Half-Marathon. The 5K Run begins and ends at Payne Park on Sarasota's Bayfront.

COST: Until March 12th: $75 for the half-marathon. Includes technical short-sleeved t-shirt, goodie bag, aid stations with Lemon-Lime Gatorade, medical support, finisher's medal, post-race party including food, beverages and awards ceremony.

TO REGISTER: Visit www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com or www.active.com for event information and registration. On-line registration closes at midnight on March 12, 2010. On-site registration at the Sarasota Half-Marathon PACKET PICK-UP takes place March 12-13, 2010.

TO VOLUNTEER: Volunteers are welcome and needed for packet pick-up and event day. For more information and to register, visit sarasotahalfmarathon.com