November 8, 2018
Contact: Jeff Darman 
              (610.925.1976)
              (610.299.4436 Cell)
              jdarman@rrm.com  

A committee made up of race directors, athletes, media, corporate executives and club officials has named Mount Desert Island (MDI) Marathon Director Gary Allen the MarathonFoto/Road Race Management Race Director of the Year. MYLAPS is the presenting sponsor.

He will be honored at a reception at the Road Race Management Race Directors' Meeting in St. Petersburg, FL on November 8.

"This year we had a remarkable group of nominees, and Gary emerged as the winner," said Road Race Management President Phil Stewart. Described by Bill Rodgers as "the Gold Medal of race directing," the award is one of the most prestigious honors in the sport of road racing. "Anyone nominated should be proud of their accomplishments," said Stewart.

Stewart went on, "Our winner has touched the soul of the running community in his home state in many ways - including lifting spirits in an economically depressed town by directing a free marathon, to gathering awards by local artisans for another. His accomplishments and energy are legendary in Maine."

His nominator said of him, "For Gary running has clearly defined who he has become, and he has energized the State of Maine by putting on Maine's finest marathon, the MDI Marathon. This race has been recognized by Runner's World as the most scenic marathon, and New England Runner magazine has recently recognized this race as the race of the year.

"The running community and the State of Maine have greatly benefited from his tireless energy and vision put forth into action. Gary has the extraordinary ability to create a concept and act upon it in a meaningful way."

The legendary Amby Burfoot describes Gary best, "He is one of running's most creative minds and race directors. He's been putting on original and fun races for decades and I hope he never lets up."

The MarathonFoto/Road Race Management Race Director of the Year award (presented by MYLAPS) is made annually to recognize and promote excellence in race directing. Nominees were judged on several factors, including overall ability, reputation of race, creativity and organizational ability. For a list of previous recipients, visit http://www.rrm.com/act/rdm/rdypast.asp.

Road Race Management (www.rrm.com) is a member-based organization that publishes a digital newsletter and many other publications designed for race and industry professionals, and conducts a prestigious annual national race directors' meeting and trade show in Florida. MarathonFoto (www.marathonfoto.com) is the leader in race and endurance sports photography. MYLAPS (www.mylaps.com) helps athletes, timers and events to create the ultimate sports experience for participants, followers and sponsors.