For Immediate Release: January 25, 2016

CONTACT: Jess Cover jess@runvermont.org, 802.863.8412

The 28th Annual People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon Announcing

Course Changes and Relay Registration Changes for Race Weekend - May 27 through 29, 2016 People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon to Capitalize on Burlington’s Waterfront Improvements with New Layout for Finish Area and Waterfront Park

RunVermont is pleased to announce plans to improve what is already one of the most highly regarded marathons in the country. In order to provide a better experience for runners and spectators alike the finish line for the race will be moving into the heart of Burlington’s Waterfront Park. This modification is enabled by the great work that the City of Burlington has completed with the installation of a world class skate park, major enhancements to the bike path and the entire park area. These improvements will give spectators room to line the course as it enters the park. This will also allow a more linear flow for runners to enjoy the post-race services.

Improvements to the finish will lead to modifications on the course The first, and most significant change will be to divert the course from the bike path at Harrison Ave (approximately mile 13.5) and instead run east on Lakeside Ave to Pine St. Once at Pine St the course will proceed north to Maple St and then rejoin the previous course at the corner of Maple and Battery. This modification will accomplish two objectives; add back the needed distance that is lost by moving the finish line, and significantly improve course safety and accessibility in the area that has been the narrowest part of the course. The second course modification will be between Cherry St and Pearl St. In this location it is anticipated that the course will be moving one block west to Pine St. This will be necessary as the CCTA station is under construction on the upper block of St. Paul St, where the race has previously run.

Marathon organizers expect approximately 8,000 runners to gather for the 28th edition of the race. They do expect there to be a more runners in the 2 person relay, an opportunity that is available due to the course changes. “We’re able to expand the number of 2 person teams with the new layout for the course in miles 13 – 15. Previously, that area of the course has proven to be a bottle neck during the peak of the race. By moving to wider streets, we can accommodate more runners in the 2 person relay, and provide a better race experience for all racers.” Says Joe Connelly, Director of Race Operations.

Relay Registration Format Change One of the most significant modifications the People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon will occur long before the gun goes off at the start. Registration for the relay teams will no longer be done via a lottery process. This year, relay runners will register directly online, commencing on February 1, 2016 at 6am. The race will be populated on a first come, first served basis. There are limits to the number of teams available, so it’s possible that someone registering late may get turned away. Those runners will be able to connect with the race’s Miles For A Mission Partners to explore the opportunity to run on a team for a charitable cause.

The People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon is the largest sporting event in Vermont with over 8,000 runners competing in the marathon and relay events. The PUBVCM brings over three million dollars to Vermont annually. For more information about the event or to get involved, go to www.runvcm.org. RunVermont is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to the promotion of running as a life-long activity through complementary programs that celebrate the athletic spirit, are recognized nationally, and embrace the Vermont community. In addition to its premier Memorial Day weekend events; Peoples United Bank Vermont City Marathon and the MVP Health Care YAM Scram, RunVermont presents the FirstRun Burlington 5k each January, The Half Marathon Unplugged in April, Island Vines 10k in September, Ready, Set, Run spring and summer youth running programs as well as consulting, timing and race services support for other Vermont running events.

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