Early registration open for 2017 Great American River Run

Early registration open for 2017 Great American River Run

Memphis in May event set for Memorial Day weekend

phuston@memphisinmay.org

MEMPHIS — Memphis in May International Festival has opened registration for the second annual Great American River Run half marathon and 5K, scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend 2017 – Sunday, May 28.

The second-year event, a half marathon and 5K run, was one of two new events the festival unveiled in 2016 and had a banner first year with runners from 33 states and four foreign countries enjoying downtown Memphis and river views as they completed the course. One difference from the 2016 race, the 2017 Great American River Run will be the festival’s finale event and will close the month-long Memphis in May International Festival.

The 2016 race drew serious competitors with half marathon winner, Pius Nyantika from Louisville, KY, finishing in 1 hour 7 mins 23.1 seconds and the fastest female finisher, Samantha Campanaro a Germantown, Tenn. resident, clocking in at just over 1 hour 27 minutes.

On the 5k course, 17-yearold local Christopher Walls from Arlington, Tenn., finished first at 18 minutes 8.7 seconds; with the fastest female, Jamie Turner from Memphis, coming in at 20 minutes, 43.9 seconds.

“We had a fantastic inaugural race, and we can’t wait to once again celebrate the gorgeous vista of the Mississippi river,” says James L. Holt, President and CEO of Memphis in May International Festival. “We knew the race would be popular with local and regional runners and were overwhelmed by the national and international response.”

The 2017 course map will be unveiled in early 2017 and is, once again, expected to be a favorite of local and regional runners. The race route will highlight the great Memphis riverfront with live entertainment throughout the race and ending with a fantastic post-race party featuring live music, food and beverages in Tom Lee Park.

Both the half marathon and 5k races will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2017, 7:00 a.m. Both races are designed for all levels – from elite athletes to the beginning runner or family participant.

Registration: www.memphisinmay. org/great-american- river-run Memphis in May International Festival is a not for profit, communitybased organization, whose programs contribute more than $88 million annually in economic impact to the community, foster civic pride, promote awareness of Memphis heritage, and build international relationships and understanding through education.

Memphis in May International is the official Festival of the City of Memphis, and the recipient of 195 prestigious Pinnacle Awards from the International Festival and Events Association.

Memphis in May International Festival was recently named to Travel+Leisure’s international list of Festivals Worth Traveling For.

For additional information about the Memphis in May International Festival, please visit the official Memphis in May web site at www.memphisinmay.org.

From Penelope Huston