FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
David Wright, Parks and Rec Director
479-464-7275
BENTONVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION TO PRODUCE BENTONVILLE RUNNING FESTIVAL
City Announces April 2nd, 2011 as date for the Half Marathon
Bentonville, AR-September 3, 2010…Get your running shoes ready for the 2011 Bentonville Running Festival presented by Walmart scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2011. Produced by the Bentonville Parks and Recreation Department, this destination event is expected to bring in over 1000 people from not only northwest Arkansas, but also from many surrounding states.
The Bentonville Running Festival will consist of a half marathon, 5K and a fun run. The event will have a festival atmosphere with tons of food, music, booths, and inflatables on the square on race day. The half marathon route is similar to the March 13, 2010 event beginning and ending on the downtown Bentonville Square. “The route really showcases the beauty and history of our community,” says David Wright, Parks and Rec Director, “and our department is excited to produce this event.” Mike Rush, owner of Rush Running, designed the course and is leading the effort on course logistics for the spring half marathon as well as training programs for first timers all the way up to experienced pros.
PowerBar has stepped up as the sponsor of the half marathon portion of the running festival, and the 5K and the Fun Run are currently seeking partners. Packet pick-up will take place the Friday before at the Runner’s Expo at the Clarion Hotel followed by a pasta party and keynote speaker sponsored by Stouffers and Buitoni.
We were thrilled when Wright approached us about doing a running festival,” stated Kalene Griffith, president of the Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Not only will this make the running portion of the event more fun for the racers, but also allow for more activities for spectators who are there to support their friends and family members, “Griffith proclaimed.
Last year the Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau worked with Reinke Sports Group to produce a half marathon, but due to challenges the CVB experienced with the promoter, the relationship has been dissolved.
The Bentonville Running Festival website is currently under construction, and runners will be notified as soon as the site goes live. In the meantime, for more information, contact David Wright at dwright@bentonvillear.com.
###
