- Greater Savannah Sports Council holds annual Georgia Power Sports Awards
- Race returns Saturday, November 3, 2012; Debuts new charity, kids race
Savannah, GA – September 26, 2012 – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society will return Saturday, November 3 with a new title under its belt: Best Sports Event of the Year by the George Power Sports Awards.
The award was presented at the Greater Savannah Sports Council’s annual luncheon, sponsored by Georgia Power on Tuesday, September 25. The Sports Awards Luncheon recognizes local athletes and industry partners in sports and business. According to Ben Wilder of Visit Savannah, the award for Best Sports Event of the Year is given to an organization or local sporting event that has “excelled in promoting its given sport by having a safe and successful community event.”
“We are so honored to receive this award,” said Malain McCormick, Event Director for Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah. “The wonderful partnerships we have here and the support from the city of Savannah have been absolutely critical to our success. We’re dedicated to making this the best possible race experience for both participants and the community as a whole and look forward to many years of Rock ‘n’ Roll running in Savannah.”
In 2011, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 Marathon debuted as the largest inaugural half marathon in the U.S., selling out with more than 23,000 entrants. Music every mile, cheerleaders and a post-race concert create a party-like atmosphere, entertaining runners all the way to the finish line.
Runners traveled from all 50 states and 21 countries for the 2011 race, creating more than $32 million in total economic impact, including $17.9 million in direct visitor spending, according to a study conducted by the San Diego State University (SDSU) Sports MBA program.
Robert Espinoza, owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Savannah, presented the award to McCormick.
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah has truly made a positive impact by energizing the running community here and showcasing the city to people from across the country that now see Savannah as a must-see destination,” said Espinoza. “The level of professionalism and organization their event provides is unmatched and we’re thrilled to have a world-class sporting event of this caliber right in our backyard.”
The 2nd annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is slated for Saturday November 3, and will benefit the American Cancer Society and will debut a new children’s run, KiDS ROCK, on Sunday, November 4. In 2011, more than $1.2 million was raised for a variety of local and national charities through the marathon and half-marathon.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is organized by San Diego-based Competitor Group, Inc., which also produces 27 other events around the world. Registration for the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society is already underway at Competitor.com.
About Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah
The second Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Open to runners and walkers from novice to professional, live bands entertain participants along each mile of the scenic course that winds through Savannah’s historic neighborhoods. Adding to the excitement, hundreds of local high school cheerleaders will be competing in the “Spirit on Course” competition by motivating athletes all the way to the finish line.
Race weekend festivities begin Thursday with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and will feature over 80 exhibitors with the latest in endurance sports gear and nutrition products. The 2012 event will add a children’s run KiDS ROCK on Friday, November 2. Event weekend concludes with a post race finish line concert. For more information, visit Competitor.com or follow us on Twitter @RunRocknRoll.