Large turnout expected at 'Mighty Niagara' half-marathon

Press release

The highly anticipated "Mighty Niagara" half-marathon will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 9 a.m. Promoted as a destination family event to marathoners throughout New York, Southern Ontario and Northern Pennsylvania, participants will enjoy breathtaking views as they run alongside the Niagara River and through the historic villages of Lewiston and Youngstown. The race route includes views of the famous French Castle and lighthouse on Historic Old Fort Niagara's compound. After emerging from the forest of Fort Niagara State Park, participants will enjoy scenic views of Lake Ontario and live entertainment at every mile. The race continues on to Four Mile State Park and ends at Porter-on-the-Lake Park.

The "Mighty Niagara" half-marathon will be held in conjunction with the fourth annual Hospice Dash 5k Walk/Run, which also begins at 9 a.m. The half-marathon was added to the Hospice 5k Dash event in 2011 and had an impressive turnout of more than 1,000 participants in its first year. With a new name, a new website at www.MightyNiagaraHalfMarathon.com, and more live bands added to the venue, the race is expected to draw thousands of runners from surrounding counties, states and Canada to Niagara County.

Race Chairman Paul Beatty Jr. said: "We're looking forward to a great turnout this year and invite the community and visitors to come run with the river. Last year this race was the first and only one of its kind in our very scenic Niagara County, and is on many runners' lists of races not to miss."

Event registration is $75 from May 31 to Aug. 15; and $85 from Aug. 16 until registration closes on Sept. 12. Each runner will receive a Dri-fit running shirt, a high quality finisher medal, and admission to the post-race party with food, drinks, and live music. New this year is the "Mighty Niagara" discount card given to all runners for discounts at local restaurants, hotels and attractions.

Also new this year is a cash award of $750 to the overall male and female winners of the half-marathon. Awards for first-, second- and third-place male and female will also be given in each age group. For details and online registration, visit www.MightyNiagaraHalfMarathon.com. For more information on the Hospice Dash 5k Walk/Run, visit www.HospiceDash.com. All proceeds from both events directly benefit Niagara Hospice.

Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support since 1988 to more than 20,000 Niagara County individuals and families faced with terminal illness. No one is ever denied hospice care due to inability to pay. For more information, visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call Hospice at 716-439-4417.