[Source: Brien McElhatten, ABC15]
The training is over and the carbohydrate loading begins ahead of the 2011 PF Chang’s Rock N’ Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon.
More than 30,000 runners from every state and several foreign countries will set off on either a 26.2-mile or a 13.1-mile run. The route snakes its way from downtown Phoenix through Scottsdale and ends at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.
“It’s running for a reason,” said marathon spokeswoman Rachelle Bergland. “It’s not just the running, you have another reason to go.”
In fact there are 13 charitable reasons to run. Valley charities have recruited runners for the big race.
They’re also benefiting from another event, the Mayor’s Run. Hosted by Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, he and 300 runners have raised $574,000 for those charities in just five years.
“Sure, we get a lot of weight loss, but it’s about committment,” said Hallman. “You commit to support a cause and raise money for these charities.”
One participant has lost 60 pounds training for the race, another lost 240 pounds throughout the whole process.
Registration for the PF Chang’s Marathon continues through Saturday at the Health and Fitness Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center. Registration is $145.00 for the full and half marathon.
Downtown Voices Coalition 