New Marathon Will Bring Thousands of Runners to the Streets of Raleigh

Put on those running shoes - Raleigh is back in the Marathon business. On Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, nearly 3,000 runners will vie for a combined purse of $13,400 during the inaugural Sony Ericsson City of Oaks Marathon and the Rex Healthcare Half-Marathon.

Both races have been sanctioned by USA Track & Field, and the course has been certified by USAT&F and can be used for Boston Marathon qualification.

Co-race directors Jim Micheels and Kazem Yahyapour have mapped out a top-notch course, with the start-finish line on Trinity Road, between Carter-Finley Stadium and the State Fairgrounds. In general, runners will follow a course that leads from West Raleigh, through downtown, out to Umstead State Park and back to the State Fairgrounds to complete the 26.2-mile circuit.

"Getting nearly 3,000 runners in the inaugural year is a great accomplishment," said Jason Philbeck of the Greater Raleigh CVB, which is a sponsor of the City of Oaks Marathon. "And it is a tremendous, positive sign for the Marathon's long-term future here in Raleigh."