ANNOUNCING:  Mankato's First-ever Marathon!

GO TO THE OFFICIAL MANKATO MARATHON WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFO!

Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces Inaugural Mankato Marathon

MANKATO, Minn. (November 11, 2009) Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce the inaugural Mankato Marathon, presented by Hy-Vee, which will be held in Mankato on Saturday, October 23, 2010. The Mankato Marathon will include a full marathon, as well as half marathon and 10K events. An Expo, pasta feed and Kids K will kick off the event  the night before.

The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau started looking into the possibility of hosting a marathon early last summer. After extensive research to find the right race manager Final Stretch, Inc. out of Nerstrand, MN was hired. Final Stretch, Inc. owner Mark Bongers, and his brother Steve Bongers have many years experience managing marathons, half marathons, duathlons and triathlons. Revenue from the event will go to the Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau to be reinvested in activities that will make Greater Mankato a stronger visitor destination.

Hy-Vee was the first to jump on board to support as the presenting sponsor for the event. “Supporting the Mankato Marathon is an obvious fit for Hy-Vee as we are striving to be the healthiest company in America. We are proud to be part of an event that will encourage individuals to get active,” said April Graff, dietician with Hy-Vee. 

The route, which will highlight major trails, parks and Mankato’s City Center is expected to be finalized by January. As a certified marathon, the Mankato Marathon will serve as  one of the season’s last opportunities in Minnesota to qualify for the famous Boston Marathon.

Anna Thill, president of the Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau, is excited to  announce the event. She comments, “A marathon is a destination race, meaning people will come from long distances to participate. Most runners bring family and friends with them to cheer them on and make a weekend of it. This will be a big event for Mankato even in its first year and will hopefully grow each year.” The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau is hoping for about 1,000 runners for the first year.

There are many details to be worked out in the coming months. A Mankato Marathon Committee has been formed composed of individuals representing various partners needed to put this kind of event together. There will be a need for about 250 volunteers and sponsors to make the event a success. Individuals and organizations  interested in the marathon can keep an eye on the Mankato Marathon website at www.mankatomarathon.com for developing details or contact the Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau at 507.385.6660.

About Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) leads the development of the visitor economy in Greater Mankato by actively promoting Greater Mankato as a premier destination for conventions, tournaments and tourism. These activities bring a steady flow of visitors and business activity to Greater Mankato resulting in a flood of spending that benefits local residents and future visitors. The work of the CVB helps strengthen the hospitality industry which provides jobs, a diverse tax base and amenities for everyone to enjoy. visitgreatermankato.com

About Final Stretch, Inc.     

Final Stretch, Inc. (FSI) was founded in 1997 with its first race being one for Lumberjack Days. FSI has since managed numerous racing events with a focus on a “grass roots” feel and unique races to the running community. Their mission is to ensure at the end of every race every participant can say, "It was a great day to run". FSI believes it is important to give back to the communities in which their races are hosted. Since the company started in 1997, FSI has donated approximately $120,000.00 of race proceeds to local and national organizations.