Mike Sullivan: Executive Director (605) 373-2041 msullivan@siouxfalls.com 200 N. Phillips Ave. Ste. 304 Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Jason Richards: Project Director (605) 373-2033 jrichards@siouxfalls.com www.sfsportsauthority.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fax: (605) 336-6499
DATE: August 30, 2012
Swedish Journalist Selects Sioux Falls Marathon to be Featured in International Runners Magazine SIOUX FALLS - After already successfully completing 45 marathons in 37 different states, Anders Forselius added the Sioux Falls Marathon to his expectant feats in pursuit of running a marathon in each state over the duration of a year. Forselius writes and blogs for Runners World Sweden, and is partaking in the year long venture for a project called, "50 States Marathon tour" in which he is riding his bicycle between marathons. “Both the marathon and half marathon have seen participation climb considerably in the past few years, and we're excited to see the growth has spread internationally,” says Mike Sullivan, executive director of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority. “By gaining more national and now even international recognition for the race, we hope to continue our successful growth by adding more distant participants such as Mr. Forselius.” In addition to writing for Runners World Sweden Forselius is also the Vice President for a group of twelve runners called the "Dedicated Dozen" in which each person runs a marathon a month and represents a different charity. COTA is an organization that helps children and young adults financially that are going through a transplant, and is the charity Forselius chose to represent. Once concluded, Forselius will be writing a book about his tour called "Travels with Alex Blackburn". Alex was a boy that had heart surgery at the age of four months and later died at the age of 12 with his last wish of having his ashes be spread all over the world. Forselius has been bicycling and running marathons with his ashes for the last three years. “Alex gives me the reason to continue my traveling," said Forselius. The Sioux Falls Marathon, Half Marathon and Miracle 5K will both take place on Sunday September 9th with an anticipated 2,000 racers participating. Races will begin at Howard Wood Field starting at 6:45 a.m. and finish at the Sanford Wellness Center. Proceeds from the Half Marathon and 5K will benefit the Children's Miracle Networks Hospital. ### The Sioux Falls Sports Authority was formed in 2006 by community leaders to recruit major sporting events to the Sioux Falls area. The organization attracts international, national, regional and state sporting events by operating, leasing, enhancing or owning sports facilities in the Sioux Falls area. It is run by a board of directors made up of 15 community members, an executive director and project director. The organization hosted the 2009 - 2012 Summit League Men’s and 2010 - 2012 Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Sioux Falls Sports Authority has also secured the 2013 Summit League Basketball Tournament, which will be held March 9 – 12, 2013. The 2011 Summit League Track and Field Championships, 2011 Summit League Baseball Championships and the 2010-11 Sioux Falls Marathon were also hosted by the organization.