Sporadic Road Closures
On Sunday, May 4, 2008, the Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon and 5K Road Race will bring more than one thousand people to Monroe County, as racers and spectators enjoy the events of marathon weekend.. This event will raise money to aid our local communities when disaster strikes. Dozens of volunteers have spent the past year planning the event to benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Monroe County chapter of the American Red Cross.

Organizers worked closely with experienced marathon runners to design a fast course that distance runners would enjoy. The Run for the Red Marathon starts at the Clear Run Elementary school at 8am and races through six communities finally ending at the Stroudsburg High School Stadium. The 5K Road Race starts and finishes at the Stroudsburg High School stadium. Runners will race through the final leg of the marathon course also beginning at 8:30am.

For the safety of all the runners, several roads will be closed sporadically between 8am and 2pm reopening as soon as the last runners pass through the affected area.

The communities and roads affected include:
· COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP
PA Route 611, Laurel Drive, Echo Lake Road, Main Street in Tobyhanna
· MOUNT POCONO BOROUGH
PA Route 611
· PARADISE TOWNSHIP
Grange Road, PA Route 940/191
· POCONO TOWNSHIP
PA Route 191
· STROUD TOWNSHIP
PA Route 191/447, N. 5th Street, Clearview Avenue, Wallace St.
· STROUDSBURG BOROUGH
Wallace Street, Scott Street, N. 6th Street, Main Street
Anyone seeking more information should contact the Red Cross of Monroe County at 570-476-3800 or visit the website poconomarathon.org.

VOLUNTEER MEETING

A meeting is set for all volunteers wishing to help with the third annual running of the Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon. On Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10am a volunteer meeting will be held at the Stroudsburg High School Cafeteria. Whether you have signed up to volunteer already or would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer attend the meeting. There is much to do for the Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon and 5K Road Race.
From helping at water stations to coordinating activities at the start and finish line, many volunteers are needed to ensure a successful event. Whether you can volunteer for just a few hours or all day your participation will ultimately help the disaster relief efforts of the local chapter of the American Red Cross of Monroe County.

On May 4, 2008, the Marathon begins at 8am, and 5K Road Race begins at 8:30am. Volunteers will be needed for the start and finish of both races, as well as to help out in various capacities along the course. Race Executive Director Bob Werts said, "We have been working and planning all year to bring this about, and we rely on the volunteers to make the Run for the Red marathon a success!"

Anyone seeking more information should contact the Red Cross of Monroe County at 570-476-3800 or visit the website poconomarathon.org.

Background Information

The Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon begins at 8am at the Clear Run Elementary School on Route 611 in Coolbaugh Township (Near Tobyhanna). The course then travels through Mt. Pocono onto PA Routes 940 and 191 through Paradise Valley, Henryville, Analomink, and eventually into Stroudsburg, ending at the Stroudsburg High School stadium. The fast course was designed by experienced marathon runners and includes a drop in elevation of nearly 1000 feet. Check out the website for course details and elevation chart - www.poconomarathon.org

The Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon will benefit the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross. All funds received will go directly to the local chapter’s disaster relief efforts.

Registration is simple, and can be accessed through the website www.poconomarathon.org or by visiting Active.com. Runners can expect great results with accurate chip timing.

The top three finishing males and top three finishing females will receive cash prizes.
$2000 for 1st place,
$1,000 for 2nd place
$500 for 3rd place.

All runners who finish the marathon will receive a medal and high quality souvenir long sleeve shirt, as well as a “Goody Bag” stuffed with great items.

The Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon is a huge undertaking for the local American Red Cross of Monroe County and volunteers are needed. Martha LaBar, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Monroe County said, “This event will be a tremendous help for our disaster relief program, and I hope many people will come out to run and to volunteer to help!”

Anyone wishing to volunteer or find out more about sponsorship opportunities should contact the Red Cross of Monroe County at 570-476-3800.

Pocono Mountains Run for the Red

5K ROAD RACE
Registration is open for the 5K Road Race!

Runners have two choices on May 4, 2008. They can run a marathon or a 5K Road Race. The 5K race is open to runners of all ages, and will start and finish at the Stroudsburg High School stadium. It is the perfect length for competitive runners who enjoy shorter distances.

The 5K Road Race will begin at 8:30am, runners will exit the stadium, and turn onto Main Street. They will continue on Main Street then turn onto 6th Street, and then to Scott Street, finally turning onto Wallace Street. They will run on Wallace to the halfway point where they will turn around and run back to the stadium. The 5K race course is made up of the last portion of the marathon course and includes just one hill.

Race Executive Director Robert Werts said “This is a great race for runners who want to be part of the Run for the Red festivities but are not ready for a full marathon.”

Race organizers hope to attract lots of local runners, including children. Registration is $20 through April 6, 2008 – after April6, 2008 Registration is $25 Registration is simple, and can be accessed through our website poconomarathon.org or by visiting Active.com. The top finishers in all age groups will receive medals. All race participants will receive a ribbon, along with a T-shirt.

The Pocono Mountains Run for the Red 5K Road Race will benefit the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross. All funds received will go directly to the local chapter’s disaster relief efforts. Martha LaBar, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Monroe County said, “This event is vital to help operate our disaster relief program, and I hope lots of runners will take part in this great event to help our local American Red Cross chapter.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about should contact the Red Cross of Monroe County at 570-476-3800 or visit the website poconomarathon.org.

A Race EXPO and Pasta Party add to the excitement of Marathon Weekend!
May 3, 2008

After months of training what is a marathon athlete to do on the day before the big race? Eat pasta check out the latest running items, of course! May 3, 2008 is the day distance runners from Pennsylvania and beyond will take part in an officially certified 26.2-mile marathon course through some of the most beautiful scenery in Pennsylvania. But first they will enjoy a Runners Expo and of course lots of pasta at the marathon host hotel, The Stroudsburg Quality Inn.

Runners along with friends and family members are invited to join the festivities on May 3rd from 10am-5pm. The day begins with race registration starting at 10am at The Stroudsburg Quality Inn. Marathon runners along with 5K racers can register throughout the day until 5pm. They can also visit the many vendors taking part in the EXPO, offering the latest in running apparel and training tips.

The Pasta Party is sponsored by The Stroudsburg Quality Inn, and is free to all marathon runners. The cost is $7 per person for all non-marathon runners. The menu will include lots of pasta, salad, bread, and dessert goodies. Food will be served from 4pm until 8pm.

“The 3rd annual Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon is going to be bigger and better than last year and we are planning for a huge turnout.” Robert Werts, Race Director said. “We are excited by all the community support for the marathon and we hope to see all the runners and family members take part in the festivities at the Runners EXPO and Pasta Party.”

The Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon is a fundraiser for the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross. All the money raised through the marathon will go directly to help the local disaster relief program.

If you would like more information or would like to register for the Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon or the 5K Road Race, simply visit the website poconomarathon.org.

$7,000 in Prize Money for Top Marathon Finishers!!!

May 4, 2008, is the day distance runners from Pennsylvania and beyond will take part in the third annual Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon. The officially certified 26.2 mile marathon course traverses through some of the most beautiful scenery in Pennsylvania. The marathon starts at 8am and just a few hours later, some great runners will take home a total of $7,000 in cash prizes and Trophies.

Prize Money will be awarded in the following categories:
Overall Male Finisher - $2,000 Overall Female Finisher - $2,000
2nd Place Male Finisher - $1,000 2nd Place Female Finisher - $1,000
3rd Place Male Finisher - $ 500 3rd Place Female Finisher - $500

Trophies will be awarded in the following Age Group categories:

Males & Females 18-29
1st Place Finisher 2nd Place Finisher 3rd Place Finisher
Males & Females 30-39
1st Place Finisher 2nd Place Finisher 3rd Place Finisher
Males & Females 40-49
1st Place Finisher 2nd Place Finisher 3rd Place Finisher
Males & Females 50-59
1st Place Finisher 2nd Place Finisher 3rd Place Finisher
Males & Females 60-69
1st Place Finisher 2nd Place Finisher 3rd Place Finisher
Males & Females 70+
1st Place Finisher 2nd Place Finisher 3rd Place Finisher

In accordance with USATF Rules and Regulations, college eligible athletes are not eligible to receive Prize Money. The names and addresses of all athletes and the amount of Prize Money paid to any individual who competes in the Marathon will be submitted to the USATF.

The award ceremony will happen at the conclusion of the race at a ceremony to be held at the Stroudsburg High School Stadium. All Marathon finishers will receive an official Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon Medallion upon completion of the race

The Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon will benefit the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross. All funds received will go directly to the local chapter’s disaster relief efforts.

Race day will also include the Run for the Red – 5K Road Race. The 5K run will start and finish at the Stroudsburg High School Stadium. Werts said “This is a great race for runners who want to be part of the excitement of marathon day and are looking for a shorter distance. The top finishers in the 5-K Road race also receive medals and some great prizes from our sponsors.”

Runners who would like to register for the Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon can do so through our website www.poconomarathon.org. Anyone wishing to volunteer or find out more about sponsorship opportunities should contact the Red Cross of Monroe County at 570-476-3800.