Tulsa, Okla. (April 22, 2010) – The Williams Route 66 Marathon, in its fifth year, is the recipient of a second place award recognizing the best marathon medals in the United States. Marathon and Beyond, a bimonthly magazine designed for runners of marathons and ultramarathons, conducted the nationwide medal competition.
In addition to the second-place finish, the medal, as well as the Tulsa event, are featured on the cover of the May/June 2010 issue.
“This recognition is an incredible honor,” said Chris Lieberman, executive director of the Williams Route 66 Marathon. “We knew that our medal was unique and a favorite of many of our runners, but to be recognized by an international publication is truly an accomplishment.”
The Route 66 Marathon medal is modeled after a classic hood ornament, and includes the historic Route 66 highway sign. According to Marathon and Beyond, the Route 66 medal received high marks due to the unique design corresponding to a piece of America’s history. In addition, the Route 66 Marathon offers a special medal for first-time marathon finishers, which also caught the judges’ attention.
The Route 66 Marathon and Half Marathon medals change each year, and the new design will be announced at the Route 66 Quarter Marathon in August.
“This award proves that the Route 66 Marathon has a real sense of what the marathon should be,” said Rich Benyo, editor of Marathon and Beyond. “Marathons and their medals should reflect the region, and this chrome piece captures the era of the chrome bumpers and adventure of getting into your car and driving Route 66.”
Finisher’s medals, not commonplace until the 1980s, are now a staple at distance-running events. These collectors’ items are important to runners, and many racers choose marathons based on the finisher’s medals.
Medal contest judges included 11 veteran marathon runners from across the country. Together, they boast more than 2,250 marathon finishes, equating to a lot of hardware. Of the medal entries, the panel consistently chose the top three medals.
Marathon and Beyond is a well-respected, 200-page magazine covering issues directly related to distance runners, including training information, race strategies and running history. To view the entire article about the medal awards, click www.marathonandbeyond.com.
About the Williams Route 66 Marathon
The Williams Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Okla., is set for Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, and the Route 66 Quarter Marathon is Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. Events are held annually the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the first Saturday in August, respectively. The fifth anniversary of the Williams Route 66 Marathon weekend includes a two-day health and fitness expo, pasta dinner, marathon, half marathon, five-person marathon relay, 5k run/walk, and a one-mile fun run/walk. Post-race festivities include concerts and a classic car show. To learn more about the events, sponsoring, training or volunteering, please e-mail [email protected], call (918) 409-2828, or visit www.route66marathon.com and www.quartermarathon.com.
