Monday, February 3, 2014

Jimmie Johnson Runs Again - Returns to Daytona Beach Half Marathon on #TeamJJF


 February 1, 2014
The Daytona Beach Half Marathon, named one of the seven most scenic half marathons in America by Active.com, features one of the most unique courses in the running world

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl.  – Jimmie Johnson, six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, is inviting runners to join him on #TeamJJF at theDaytona Beach Half Marathon on Sunday, February 16th.  Johnson finished the 2013 Daytona Beach Half Marathon in 1:29:49 and won the DAYTONA 500® the following Sunday.

“Last year I ran in the Daytona Beach Half Marathon and had an absolute blast,” said Johnson. “I am going to be there this year representing Team JJF and would love to have others join and participate with me.” Click HERE to view Jimmie Johnson’s message to runners.


The sixth Daytona Beach Half Marathon, hosted by Volusia County, Daytona International Speedway and the Central Florida Sports Commission, is an official part of Budweiser Speedweeks, taking place one week before “The Great American Race” – the 56th DAYTONA 500. In addition to the half marathon, organizers will also stage a Lap the Track fun run and Kids Race on February 16th.


When runners register on-line for either the Half Marathon or Lap the Track, they will have the ability to sign up for #TeamJJF. Runners are then asked to Tweet and Instagram photos with the hashtag #TeamJJF to show their support for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting children, families and communities in need. The Foundation currently focuses on funding K-12 public education.  Runners also have the ability to purchase #TeamJJF running gear at http://bit.ly/TeamJJF.

“We are very pleased to partner with the Daytona Beach Half Marathon to promote Team JJF,” said Jimmie Johnson Foundation Executive Director Amanda Prothero. “Raising awareness for the Foundation at events such as this allows us to enhance the work we do benefiting K-12 public schools.”

More than 2,000 runners are expected to participate in the race, as well as other NASCAR drivers and race team personnel.  In addition to Johnson and the nearly 1,400 runners that registered for the 2013 event, were three NASCAR drivers (Kasey Kahne, Michael Waltrip and Aric Almirola) and more than a dozen other team members.

Registration is open at www.daytonabeachhalf.com, with the current entry fee for the Daytona Beach Half Marathon set at $105 per person and Lap the Track at $50 per person. The half marathon will start at 6:00 am and Lap the Track at 7:00 am, just hours after The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona finishes up under the lights on Saturday night, and lead into DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger on Sunday afternoon.

The Daytona Beach Half Marathon, named one of the seven most scenic half marathons in America by Active.com, features one of the most unique courses in the running world, as the route takes you from the World Center of Racing to the World’s Most Famous Beach, and back. The Lap the Track fun run (approximately 2.2 miles) will start on Pit Road, with runners completing one lap around the storied tri-oval, finishing at the Speedway’s finish line. The Kids Race is a non-competitive event for children 11 years of age and younger. Starting just after completion of the Lap the Track, Kids Race distances will range from 100 yards to 400 yards.

Each half-marathon participant will receive a race-themed tech shirt, finisher’s medal, post-race party, and a ticket to DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger. Included in the DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger ticket is access to the Sprint FANZONE which provides an up-close look at the NASCAR garages and inspection areas as teams prepare for the race.  Photo opportunities with race cars and other NASCAR-related items will be available before, during and after the race. The half marathon is open to runners and walkers, at least 12 years of age or older, who can complete the course in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes.

For more information about the Daytona Beach Half Marathon, visit www.daytonabeachhalf.com. For real time updates, like the race on Facebook @Daytona Beach Half Marathon or follow on twitter @daytonahalf.


this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

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