Registration is open for the 2nd Annual Grand Lake Marathon

The countdown is on to the 2nd annual Grand Lake Marathon. Set to take place Saturday September 26 with a complete compliment of running distances including a full marathon that will circle Grand Lake, the half marathon run from Celina to St. Marys and the 5k and kids marathon events will take place on new pavement on lakefront West Bank road.

The debut was the largest road race in the area attracting nearly 2000 participants from 30 states across the country and providing an estimated impact of nearly $1 million based upon data from the Auglaize-Mercer Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"The inaugural race was an overwhelming success and with nearly 2000 participants and thousands more spectators, and we are working to make this year even bigger. The event had nearly 500 volunteers and nearly 100 law enforcement officials on the course to close 29 miles of roadways” said Roger Bowersock of Rocketship Sports Management Inc. the events director, “the quality experience provided by the aid stations and cooperation between local officials have secured a bright future for this event”

There are many exciting changes to announce from last year's race including the addition of a four person marathon relay, two person half marathon relay, course changes to the half that has the race finishing in Memorial park, course changes to the full that will offer several more miles of lakefront running, a new 5k and kids course that are all on the lake, a second finish line party in St.Marys with live music and food, 14 bands on the course, improved post-race food and half and full marathon event specific finishers medals. All courses including the 5k are certified by USATF.

• Grand Lake Health system will be providing a professional photo of each participant
• 5k will offer finish medals to the first 500
• all finishers will receive a Grand Lake marathon window sticker of their race distance
• Can’t Stop Running pacers from Marathon Maniacs will be on the half and full courses

The Grand Lake Marathon serves as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and is sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USATF).The marathon, half-marathon, and 5K courses cover the flat scenic areas of the lake.

Registration is open online at the events website grandlakemarathon.com. More details about the race, maps, training program, volunteer positions, schedule, sponsorship opportunities and much more are also available on the website.