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NEWS RELEASE Anchorage, Alaska - July 24, 2003
CONTACT: Allison Knox, CIRI Alaska Tourism ALASKA IS THE FIRST U.S. HOST OF PRESTIGIOUS MOUNTAIN RUNNING EVENT Alaska will make history as the host of the 19th World Mountain Running Trophy (WMRT) Sept. 19 – 21, 2003. More than 400 world-class athletes from more than 30 nations will converge in Girdwood, Alaska for this international mountain running championship event. The 2003 event marks the first time the WMRT will be hosted in the United States and only the second time the event has been held outside of Europe. Alaska Mountain Runners (AMR), a local non-profit sports and trail restoration group, spearheaded the campaign to have Alaska selected as the host site with support of the Anchorage Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (ACVB) and Alyeska Resort. The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) enthusiastically approved the bid by AMR and USA Track and Field. “Alaska is unknown territory for most of us, so we are thrilled and excited at the prospect of competing is such a pristine part of the world. The opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Alaska is a bonus for all participants,” said Danny Hughes, president of World Mountain Running Association (WMRA). WMRT has become the official world championship for mountain running. Initially, the majority of competitors came from Europe and venues have remained in these nations throughout the history of the event. As knowledge and popularity of the sport has increased, so has the breadth of teams from competing nations such as New Zealand, South Africa, Colombia, Australia and Malaysia. Mountain running itself is becoming more of a mainstream sport in many parts of the world. It has universal appeal for all fitness levels, is conducive to most locations and there is little gear needed. Hughes considers mountain running a cousin of cross-country running, but offering more adventure. “It has visual attractions that road and cross-country running sometimes lack,” said Hughes. “For those who love to be in the mountains, living, working, walking, climbing and skiing, it is a natural activity.” For competitive mountain runners, specific training will improve performance and lower the risk of short and long-term injury. Elite mountain runners have: high aerobic capacity, strong ankles, strong quadriceps, hip and gluteal muscles and well toned stomach and arm muscles for vigorous movement. Extensive training is year-round for elite mountain runners and includes high altitude training, overload and recovery workouts and as well as psychological training. For more information about the WMRT, participating or volunteering, visit Link Text Here. The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by hotels. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.anchorage.net.
Erika Biringer, Public Relations Manager
Nance Larsen, Director of Communications |
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Copyright 2003. All Rights Reserved. |