The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Health and Fitness Expo opens in its new venue, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located at 801 Mt. Vernon Place in Washington, DC (Mt. Vernon Square Metro Station) on Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m. More than 80,000 runners, supporters and fitness-enthusiasts are expected to attend the free, open-to-all two-day event, making it one of the largest shows the venue will host in 2009. The event serves as the official pre-race runner check-in location while showcasing more than 200 vendors from the world of fitness.
"Moving the Health and Fitness Expo to the center of Downtown DC offers a much richer experience in the nation's capital," said Rick Nealis, MCM Director. "This is a great event to walk through, shop, meet qualified experts, get inspired and feel healthy."
The Health and Fitness Expo will be held in the Convention Center's Hall C on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A special opening ceremony will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on October 23 with the first person in line being awarded one of the 34 SuperSize Goodie Bags. The special bags made from the 2008 MCM finish line banner may include valued prizes from MCM sponsors including Nissan, Jet Blue, Arlington County, Brooks, Vermont Teddy Bear and Comcast SportsNet. Additional information about guest speakers may be obtained on the event website (www.marinemarathon.com).
Expo highlights include appearances by Montel Williams, who will broadcast his nationally syndicated radio show live from the Expo on October 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; a presidential wax figure from Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Downtown DC; and authors Kathrine Switzer, Roger Robinson and Bart Yasso. Free massages are available in the Aetna booth. More than 12 food vendor booths will sample everything from Mic Ultra to fruit smoothies to energy bars.
Vote "Best Marathon for Families," the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Currently ranked as the fifth largest marathon in the United States and ninth in the world, "The People's Marathon" boasts a course featuring the iconic landmarks of Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia. Organized proudly by the men and women of the United States Marine Corps, the 34th MCM will be held on October 25, 2009 in Arlington, Va. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement applied.
For media information, contact Marc Goldman, Marine Corps Marathon Sponsorship and Marketing Manager at (703) 784-2113 or marc.goldman@usmc.mil.