The 8th Annual Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon is excited to announce today the addition of finisher’s medals for its Humana Vitality Family Friendly 5K participants for the first time ever. In an effort to continue to provide a walker-friendly race, the USA Fit Marathon, which also includes the Fort Bend Kia Half Marathon, encourages more walkers to put their walking to the test at any of the event’s three races, taking place Jan. 31 at the University of Houston Sugar Land campus.
“Many of our 5K walkers are just starting their first race experiences with our event,” said Race Director and Organizer of the USA Fit Fort Bend marathon and half marathon training group program Terrie Gorney. “The new 5K walker finisher’s medal recognizes that effort and will hopefully encourage them to keep walking in events like ours or even shoot for longer distances.”
From its start, the USA Fit Marathon has focused on providing marathon and half marathon courses that walkers can complete, staying open for eight hours, two hours longer than most marathons.
“Since we first opened in 2008, we have seen our participant base of walkers grow more and more. It’s a great feeling to see more and more people getting fit through walking.”
Recent studies have shown that prolonged sitting throughout the day may cause more health risks than even smoking. They encourage walking whenever possible to mitigate those risks. Gorney suggests that training for and participating in events like the USA Fit Marathon that offers several walking options is a great place to start.
Also new for this year’s event is the option for full marathon and half marathon participants to choose between a finisher’s jacket; one-quarter zip, long-sleeve pullover; or backpack in addition to their finisher’s medal and t-shirt.
Registration for the Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon, Fort Bend Kia Half Marathon and Humana Vitality Family Friendly 5K is available online now through Jan. 29. For more information and to register, visit www.usafitmarathon.com.