Pasadena Marathon Opens Registration

PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pasadena Forward, a Pasadena-based nonprofit organization, today announced the opening of online registration for the Pasadena Marathon, which is calendared for November 16, 2008. The inaugural event, which includes a Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour, and 3-mile Community Run/Walk, is geared to attract a range of participants, from elite competitors, to casual entrants. Pasadena Forward has contracted with In Motion, Inc., to produce the event.

Olympic Champion and Pasadena resident John Naber expressed enthusiasm about the Pasadena Marathon. "Pasadena is a city filled with tradition, elegance and a fundamental respect for public parklands," Mr. Naber stated. "There is no better place to take a 26-mile run while enjoying beautiful greenery, interesting architecture, and wonderful weather."

Race organizers expect 15,000 registrants for the 2008 Pasadena Marathon. "We have a huge following in the local running community, and we're generating a buzz throughout the region," commented Israel Estrada, Executive Director of Pasadena Forward. "We anticipate that across the nation, participants and spectators will also be drawn to our event-not just for the race, but as a destination. The lore of Pasadena and Southern California is very powerful!"

Mr. Estrada further explained that the Pasadena Marathon is poised to become one of the top ten marathons in the country. "With the Pasadena Marathon, we're creating a truly unique race experience. Our staff and volunteers are incredibly invested in the Pasadena Marathon, and this commitment, combined with the experience and passion of In Motion, Inc., will result in a top-tier running event."

Further information about the Pasadena Marathon can be found on the Internet at www.pasadenamarathon.org. Visitors to the website can take advantage of early registration fees up until June 1.

About Pasadena Marathon -- The Pasadena Marathon(SM) offers a variety of race-day options, including Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour, and 3-mile Community Run/Walk. The Pasadena Marathon course will feature areas of interest throughout the city, including beautiful residential neighborhoods, vibrant commercial districts, and numerous cultural landmarks. Selected nonprofit groups working in the areas of health, education, the arts, and culture will benefit annually from Pasadena Marathon proceeds. The Official Beneficiaries of the 2008 Pasadena Marathon are Young & Healthy, Pasadena Educational Foundation, Pasadena Arts Council, and Pasadena Heritage. Further information about the Pasadena Marathon can be found on the Internet at www.pasadenamarathon.org.

About Pasadena Forward -- Pasadena Forward was founded in 2004 by Executive Director, Israel Estrada. The organization's mission is to promote enhanced quality of life for those who work, live, or attend school in the Pasadena area. By offering needed financial and logistical support to local civic and charitable agencies, Pasadena Forward aims to have a broad impact on the nonprofit community's ability to deliver services. The Pasadena Marathon was conceived as a large-scale fundraiser to further the mission of Pasadena Forward.

About In Motion, Inc. -- In Motion, Inc., is a nationally recognized event production firm based in Carlsbad, CA. In Motion's events include the highly acclaimed Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon, the Union-Tribune Race for Literacy, and the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure-three of the largest races in Southern California. In Motion, Inc., was established in 1981 by company president, Lynn Flanagan.

Special Media -- Pasadena Marathon MySpace Page -- http://www.myspace.com/pasadenamarathon