Highlights
The Marathon of the Palm Beaches was conceived the day Iva Grady, marketing director for the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, ran the 2002 New York City Marathon. She came home and told her husband, Dennis, the chamber's president, that Palm Beach County needed a marathon. The Gradys hired renown race director Dave McGillivray, who stages the Boston Marathon, the granddaddy of all marathons. The part-time Jupiter resident is regarded as one of the nation's best event directors for road races and triathlons. In 2004, the inaugural event was held in November with 3,600 runners from 42 states and 17 countries. Since that first year, the marathon was moved to the first weekend of Decembe...
The Marathon of the Palm Beaches was conceived the day Iva Grady, marketing director for the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, ran the 2002 New York City Marathon. She came home and told her husband, Dennis, the chamber's president, that Palm Beach County needed a marathon. The Gradys hired renown race director Dave McGillivray, who stages the Boston Marathon, the granddaddy of all marathons. The part-time Jupiter resident is regarded as one of the nation's best event directors for road races and triathlons. In 2004, the inaugural event was held in November with 3,600 runners from 42 states and 17 countries. Since that first year, the marathon was moved to the first weekend of December to take advantage of cooler weather. The Marathon of the Palm Beaches is one of three marathons in South Florida and the only marathon in Palm Beach County. The other two are the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and ING Miami Marathon. The Marathon of the Palm Beaches has grown into one of Palm Beach County's biggest single-day sporting events. More than 40 percent of the runners each year have been from outside of Florida. The economic impact has been estimated at $10 million by organizers. The course is flat and fast and serves as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The 2006 event attracted 6,000 participants during Marathon Weekend that also features a half marathon, 5K, kids races, relays and health and fitness expo. Prize money is offered for the top finishers in the marathon and half marathon. One of the marathon's trademark features are the Wacky Water Stations that provide a fun way for the community to get involved in the marathon without having to put a pair of running shoes on. Volunteers are responsible for devising their own creative theme and constructing their station with costumes, decorations, music and other wacky ideas. The nuns and brides water stations have become the most popular. There are 17 stations starting at Mile 2. The 26.2-mile course includes the area's tree-lined historic neighborhoods and 16 miles of waterfront scenery along Flagler Drive. The course begins at Evernia St. on Flagler Drive and stretches south to run through the El Cid, Monseaux/Prospect Park and South End neighborhood before turning around between 8th and 7th Avenues North in Lake Worth. Returning north, marathoners run through the historic neighborhoods of Southland Park and Mango Promenade before heading through downtown West Palm Beach. Continuing north, runners are directed through the neighborhoods of Old Northwood and Northwood Harbor before turning around on 58th St. Heading back towards downtown West Palm Beach, runners pass through the Northwood Shores and Northwood Park residential communities on North Flagler Dr. before closing in on the finish line at Meyer Amphitheatre. In true Palm Beach fashion, marathon winners are treated to champagne and caviar during the post-race awards ceremony.
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South Florida: Marathon events set in West Palm Beach
The fifth annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches takes place on Sunday. It begins at 6 a.m. near the Meyer Amphitheatre and will go along the Intracoastal Waterway on Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. Events around the marathon are scheduled for all...Tags: Meyer Amphitheatre, Marathon, Weather Reports
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Bulletin Board: Events and groups' meetings in Palm Beach County
Today Almost Maine, Atlantic High School's Drama Club presents comedy by John Cariani., 7:30 p.m. at the school, 2455 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. $10. Call 561-243-1533. Bingo, open to all, 1 to 3 p.m., Mae Volen Senior Center, 1515 W. Palmetto Park...Tags: Dining and Drinking, Bars and Clubs, Basketball, Florida Atlantic University, Clubs and Associations
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If you go
If you go Fifth annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches Weekend When/where: Today through Sunday, Meyer Amphitheatre, Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach Registration: $110 (marathon), $95 (half-marathon), $30 (5K), $15 (Kids K); kickoff breakfast: 7:45 a.m....Tags: Meyer Amphitheatre, Marathon, Weather Reports
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Wounded veterans competing in Marathon of the Palm Beaches refuse to slow down
South Florida Sun-SentinelSix months after Army 1st Lt. Larry Brian Hicks arrived in Iraq, he injured his leg, head and back when his Humvee struck a pothole at 60 mph. The 2003 crash triggered an old wound, which eventually led to doctors amputating his left leg in May after...Tags: Marathon, Defense, Ron Allen, Armed Forces, Meyer Amphitheatre
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Marathon of the Palm Beaches goes green
The Marathon of the Palm Beaches is going green. The fifth annual marathon and half marathon set for Sunday has implemented green initiatives to help runners and environment at the same time that West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel has made it her mission...Tags: Athletics, Track and Field, Marathon, Population, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Vehicles
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Miller wins first-age group title in N.Y. Marathon
Alan Miller is getting more than his 15 minutes of fame. The Cooper City elite masters runner was awarded first place in the 60-64 age group a week after he completed his 26th ING New York City Marathon. Miller, 60, finished the39th annual marathon in 3...Tags: Walt Disney World Resort, Awards and Prizes, Marathon, Dining and Drinking, Judaism
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Participant Sports Schedule
Friday Running: Marathon of the Palm Beaches Publix Health and Fitness Expo, Harriet Himmel Theater, CityPlace, West Palm Beach, noon-7 p.m.; Jingle Bell Jog Pre-Race Pasta and Registration Party, Runner's Depot, Davie, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 954-474-4074;...Tags: Meyer Amphitheatre, Biathlon, Citrus Bowl, Marathon, Amelia Earhart
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Legend burns a new trail
South Florida Sun-SentinelUta Pippig is the pied piper of running when it comes to women and children. The two-time Olympian and former No. 1 world-ranked marathon runner made her mark as the first woman to win the Boston Marathon three consecutive years. She is now an ambassador...Tags: Medical Specialization, Marathon, Pediatrics, International Organizations
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Interest still running high for Marathon of the Palm Beaches
The Marathon of the Palm Beaches, the first of South Florida's "Big Three" marathons, is enjoying increased numbers despite the economic turmoil that is gripping the area. With less than two weeks to go until the Dec. 7 event, numbers are up among...Tags: Awards and Prizes, Marathon, Society, Lois Frankel, Ceremonies
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Participant sports schedule of events
Thursday Running: 28th Thanksgiving Turkey Day Trot, Tamarac City Hall, 7:30 a.m., 954-597-3635; Fleet Feet Sports Boca Thanksgiving Morning Run, The Shoppes at Boca Greens, 7:30 a.m., 561-470-3433; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Turkey Trot 10K/...Tags: Meyer Amphitheatre, Biathlon, Marathon, Thanksgiving, Amelia Earhart
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If you go: Marathon of the Palm Beaches
IF YOU GO What: Fifth Marathon of the Palm Beaches When: Dec. 7, 6 a.m. Where: Meyer Amphitheatre, Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach Schedule of events: Dec. 5: 7:45 a.m., Marathon Chamber of Commerce Breakfast with elite runner Uta Pippig, Marriott...Tags: Meyer Amphitheatre, Ronald McDonald, Marathon
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Pregnant runner to take on marathon
Sonja Friend-Uhl of Wellington will be six months pregnant when she runs the Dec. 7 Marathon of the Palm Beaches half marathon. The women's defending marathon champion said she is running with her doctor's blessings. She is due to give birth to her...Tags: Awards and Prizes, Walt Disney World Resort, Marathon, Population, Mike Clark
Dec 5, 2008
|Story| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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|Column| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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|Column| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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|Story| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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|Story| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Nov 26, 2008
|Story| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Nov 26, 2008
|Story| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Nov 26, 2008
|Story| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Nov 19, 2008
|Column| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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