(Syracuse, NY – July 19, 2011) Achieve Fitness, LLC recently announced that Kathrine Switzer will serve as the emcee for the Inaugural Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon on Oct. 16, 2011.
Perhaps best known as the first woman to officially (although
controversially) enter the Boston Marathon in 1967 while she was still a student at Syracuse University, Switzer went on to run 38 marathons and won the 1974 New York City Marathon. She was named by Runner’s World Magazine as one of running’s “Four Visionaries of the 20th Century” for her work in women’s equality in the sport and leading the drive to secure the women’s marathon as an Olympic event.
“We’re honored to have Kathrine Switzer involved with our marathon—particularly our inaugural one,” said Brian Collins, principle owner of Achieve Fitness, LLC, management company for the Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon. “She is the First Lady of women’s running since she broke the gender barrier and paved the way for others. She remains a recognized leader in the running world not only for creating opportunities but also as a TV broadcaster and author. ”
Switzer will also serve as the keynote speaker at the Driver’s Village New York State Health and Wellness Expo on Oct 14-15.
“It is always tremendously exciting to be on board for an inaugural event like this,” said Switzer. “Syracuse has long needed a ‘signature’ marathon. The Empire State Marathon looks poised to bring visitors, excitement, and excellent performance to the area, to say nothing of positive economic impact and visibility.”
During the weekend of Sept. 30, 2011, Switzer will be inducted into The National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY, not for her athletic achievements, but for activating positive social change. She is already a member of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.
On Oct. 16, 2011, the Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon will give runners an up-close view of Central New York’s rolling landscape and vibrant autumn colors. The USATF-certified course, which begins and ends at Alliance Bank Ball Park Stadium, travels through the cities of Syracuse, Liverpool and Baldwinsville. A pre-race health a fitness expo will be held on Oct. 14-15 and feature vendors from the running and fitness industries.
Additional information about the Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon is available at http://www.empirestatemarathon.com.
