Race, Run and Have Fun at the 34th Annual Prescott YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon

Online, March 14, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Get ready to run! On May 5, 2012, the Prescott YMCA will host the 34th annual Prescott YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon - the oldest continuously run marathon in Arizona and one of the toughest in the West.

Starting on historic Whiskey Row, the race begins at an elevation of 5,280 feet and increases to 7,000 feet over the first seven miles, at the 13-mile turn around, runners are once again at 5,600 feet. The course is paved road for the first and last 5 miles, while the rest of the race is run on a dirt road that meanders through the cool pines of the Prescott National Forest.

In addition to the full marathon (26.2 miles), the YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon includes a half marathon (13.1 miles), 10k (6.2 miles) and a 2-mile Fun Run.

To make this a full weekend of fun and fitness, this year's marathon also includes a variety of events, such as:

FRIDAY NIGHT
• Packet pick-up and Sports Expo at the Prescott YMCA, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Get last-minute tips from people who know the course best, meet our sponsors, and pick up your swag bag, including commemorative tee
• Carb-load, mix and mingle with other runners from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the YMCA's Lindquist Family Park. We will be serving a Cinco de Mayo-themed meal - free to all who show their race number!

SATURDAY MORNING: THE RACE
• 5 a.m. - 7:15 a.m.: Saturday morning packet pick-up at Hotel St. Michael
• 6 a.m. Full Marathon Start
• 7 a.m. Half Marathon Start
• 7:30 a.m. 10K Start
• 7:40 a.m. 2-Mile Fun Run
• LIVE MUSIC beginning at 10 a.m. at the Finish Line After Party

THE POST-RACE PARTY
• All-day concert on the Courthouse Square from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Enjoy Prescott's best and brightest musical performers.
• Grab a bite at a downtown restaurant or nosh on food cart treats, like tamales, and pizza
• Finish Line Cinco de Mayo After Party & Beer Garden are sponsored by the Prescott Eagles Club from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited to join in the Cinco de Mayo experience.

Early, Local Registration Event:
Mark your calendars for the WRM Local Registration Event on
Friday, April 13th. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Gurley St. Coffee and Pastry Company, at historic Gurley Street in downtown Prescott, runners can register for their race of choice. Get some coffee and sign up on Friday, then come back on Saturday morning (April 14 )to meet with the Mountain Milers (local running club) and take a training run on the actual WRM course.

This community event would not be possible if it were not for our generous sponsors and volunteers.

For more information about running the race or volunteering to help at the water stations, registration, finish line, and course set-up and clean up, visit www.WhiskeyRowMarathon.com/ or call Jessica Leary, Race Director, at (928) 445-7221.