L.A. Marathon Issues Challenge to Elite Athletes

The Los Angeles Marathon Newsletter notes that throughout major marathon history the story lines have always been the same, the men's race and the women's race, and never shall they meet. Now, for the first time at the marathon distance, the 2004 Los Angeles Marathon will match the elite women against the elite men in a unique handicap format that will award the first person across the finish line finish line a bonus of $50,000.

The Challenge will see the elite women begin first, approximately 20 minutes ahead of the men and say "'catch us if you can'". Once the time differential has passed, the elite men will take off with the rest of the L.A. Marathon field and try to beat '''The Challenge'" posed by the elite women. The first person to break the finish tape will earn the $50,000 bonus and above the traditional first placed prize of $25,000 and a Honda Accord EX V6 (valued at $24,300).

"'Handicapping an elite field like this is unprecedented at the marathon distance,'" said Los Angeles Marathon President Dr. William Burke. "'It promises to add a special treat to the marathon experience for the ten of thousands of spectators watching alongside to the course, as well as creating a compelling drama for television.'"

The L.A. Marathon asks all runners to challenge each other in this year’s race. Challenge your next-door neighbor, your training partner, your college roommate or your co-worker to train, run and finish the 2004 L.A. Marathon. Challenge them to beat your time for an added bonus of fun.

Groups may challenge each other as well. Challenges between rival universities, corporations, training programs, even age groups are welcome.

For more information and to register for the race, log on to www.lamarathon.com.

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