SUGAR LAND, TX – The 8th Annual Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon is excited to announce today the addition of Age Group Awards for its Humana Vitality 5K walking participants. In an effort to continue to provide a walker-friendly race, the Memorial Hermann 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 participants are just starting their first race experiences with our event,” said Race Director Terrie Gorney. “The new 5K Walker Age Group Awards recognize that effort and will encourage people to get off the couch and on the race course.”
From its start, the Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon has focused on providing marathon and half marathon courses that walkers can complete. The course stays open for eight hours – two hours longer than most marathons.
“Since our first event in 2008, we have seen our participant base of walkers grow every year. 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 smoking. Doctors encourage walking whenever possible to mitigate those risks. Gorney suggests that training for and participating in events like the Humana Vitality 5K is a great place to start.
New for full marathon and half marathon participants this year is the choice of finisher items – choose between a finisher’s jacket; quarter-zip, long-sleeve pullover; or backpack, in addition to their finisher’s medal and t-shirt. All 5K participants also receive a finisher’s shirt and medal.
The Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon benefits the Fort Bend Education Foundation. To date, the USA Fit Marathon has donated more than $86,000 to support Fort Bend students, teachers and schools.
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.
About USA Fit
USA Fit, founded in 1999 and based in Houston, Texas, is a marathon, half marathon, 5K and 10K group training program for runners and walkers in more than 50 locations across the U.S. USA Fit continues to expand each year and boasts approximately 20,000 members in various training programs across the country. Led by a team of educated and experienced coaches, each group strives to help its members achieve their personal best in a non-intimidating, fun and safe environment with the ultimate goal of encouraging the growth of the human connection. To find a location and register today, visitwww.usafit.com.