1st Marathon Announces Largest Training Program in Arizona for P.F. Changs Rock ‘n Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon; New Locations Added in Scottsdale and Tucson

1st Marathon, LLC, the Valleys largest marathon training group, today announced an Aug. 23 program start-date in preparation for the inaugural P.F. Changs® Rock ‘n Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon.

PHOENIX—Aug. 6, 2003—1st Marathon, LLC, the Valleys largest marathon training group, today announced an Aug. 23 program start-date in preparation for the inaugural P.F. Changs® Rock ‘n Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon.

To accommodate expanded interest, two training locations have been added – one at DC Ranch in Scottsdale and the other at Randolph Golf Course in Tucson. With existing sites at Granada Park in Phoenix and Tempes Kiwanis Park, 1st Marathon now offers four training locations statewide. In addition, weekly speed training sessions are also available at Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College and Scottsdale Community College.

The interest marathon running continues to grow and with our new locations, people now the opportunity to train in a variety of sites around the Valley and in Tucson," said Brian Collins, founder of 1st Marathon. Because of the location of the race and the popularity of the Rock ‘n Roll running events, were expecting a large turnout for this training program."

Organizers are predicting the P.F. Changs® Rock ‘n Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon will challenge the record for the largest first-time running event in history. Starting in the heart of downtown Phoenix at Wesley Bolin Memorial Park, the course travels through the cities of Scottsdale and Tempe, while passing such landmarks as Bank One Ballpark, American West Arena, Papago Park and the Arizona Biltmore, before finishing on the campus of Arizona State University. More than 40 live bands and 30 cheer squads are expected to line the route.

About 1st Marathon

As the Valleys largest marathon training group, 1st Marathon has successfully trained more than 4,000 runners since 1997. Using proven principles taught by a team of qualified coaches and marathon veterans, 1st Marathon was created to teach individuals of all abilities how to complete a 26.2-mile race. Each 20- to 25-week program consists of individualized coaching instruction, weekly personal training schedules, informational seminars, speed sessions, social events and Saturday morning group runs. Training locations are available in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson. For more information, please visit www.1stmarathon.com.