2004 U.S. OLYMPIC WOMEN'S MARATHON TRIALS TO
TAKE PLACE SATURDAY IN FOREST PARK

ST. LOUISANS ENCOURAGED TO LINE THE COURSE, CHEER THE RUNNERS, CELEBRATE AREA'S OLYMPIC TIE

ST. LOUIS – March 30, 2004 – On a late summer afternoon in 1904, 32 runners gathered on the track at Washington University's Francis Field. There – at the corner of Big Bend and Forsyth boulevards – was the Olympic Marathon starting line, and the starting point of a legacy that will be rekindled Saturday morning. A century after hosting the first Olympic Games on American soil and the first marathon west of the Mississippi River, St. Louis will once again welcome runners with gold medal dreams and be a gateway to Olympic glory.

The 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Women's Marathon presented by Michelob ULTRA takes place Saturday, April 3 in Forest Park. More than 140 of America's top female long distance runners will compete in the race. The top three finishers earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team headed to Athens and the 2004 Summer Games.

Hosted by t he St. Louis Sports Commission and the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend, the Trials commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the Olympic Marathon in St. Louis. The 26.2-mile race begins at 7 a.m. on the track at Washington University's Francis Field – the same starting line used for the 1904 Olympic Marathon. After completing four laps on the track, the runners will exit through Francis Field's Olympic gates, then travel east on Forsyth Boulevard, and eventually enter Forest Park, site of the 1904 Games and World's Fair. The competitors will make 3.5 loops through the park before finishing on Government Drive beneath the World's Fair Pavilion. The top runners will cross the finish line at approximately 9:20 a.m.

Spectators are invited to line the course to cheer on the runners. There is no cost to watch the event. American flags will be handed out to the first 2,500 fans gathered at the finish line. Tips on where to watch the race and where to park appear in this release.

“The positive energy from the crowds along the course can provide a huge boost for the athletes running in the Trials,” said Frank Viverito, Sports Commission president. “We know it's an early start, but we hope St. Louisans take advantage of the opportunity to see some of the best-conditioned athletes in the world and cheer on America's Olympic hopefuls as we mark our Olympic centennial.”

The event is part of Celebrate 2004, the region's yearlong civic celebration highlighting revitalization accomplishments and marking the centennial of the 1904 Olympics and World's Fair, and bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In addition to the U.S. Olympic Women's Marathon Trials, St. Louis will commemorate its Olympic centennial by hosting the U.S. Olympic Diving Trials June 7-13 at the St. Peters Rec-Plex and the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay June 17.

Race Schedule:

Saturday, April 3

7 a.m. 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Women's Marathon, presented by Michelob ULTRA
-Starts at Washington University's Francis Field; 3.5 loops through Forest Park

9:20 a.m. Approximate time for finish on Government Drive beneath the World's Fair Pavilion

WHERE TO PARK

Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and use the two main entrances on the south and west side of Forest Park to access parking for the Trials. The course will be closed to general traffic at 6 a.m. and will reopen no later than 11:30 a.m. Parking will be available at the lots listed below or on streets in the southwest section of the park, as allowed by law. Fans can also take MetroLink light rail service to the Forest Park station near the Missouri History Museum.

Best places to park for the U.S. Olympic Women's Marathon Trials:

• Lower Muny Parking Lot (in before 6 a.m. and out after 10:30 a.m.)
• Dwight Davis Tennis Center Parking Area (in before 6 a.m. and out after 11:30 a.m.)
• Upper Muny Parking Lot (anytime)
• North Zoo Parking Lot (anytime)
• South Zoo Parking Lot (anytime)
• Oakland Avenue and Tamm Avenue (anytime)

WHERE TO WATCH

Best Vantage Points:

· Starting Line: Watch the ceremonial start as the runners run four times around the track. Park your car at Washington University lots before 6:45 a.m. At that time, Forsyth will be closed to traffic. Forsyth will reopen once the runners cross Skinker.

· Lindell & Skinker: Park at the Washington University lots on the southwest corner of Skinker and Forest Park Parkway. On this corner, you can cheer the runners on at mile markers 2, 8, 15 and 22.

· Lindell & DeBalivere: Take MetroLink or park north of Lindell and proceed to the Missouri History Museum to observe miles 2, 9, 16, and 21.

· Union & Grand in Forest Park : Great location for watching runners as they pass this area eight times. Park outside Forest Park and walk to this location.

· The “triangle” at Grand, Theater, & Jefferson: Another great location to watch the runners as they pass the area eight times. Park outside Forest Park and walk to this location.

· Pagoda Circle at the MUNY : Large spectator gathering place. Park at the St. Louis Zoo or outside Forest Park and walk to this location.

· Faulkner & Clayton: The runners pass miles 4, 10, and 24. Park at St. Louis Community College and cross Highway 40 via tunnel to the Science Center.

· Clayton Ave & Wells: Root for the runners at miles 4, 11, and 18. Park at the St. Louis Zoo and walk.

· FINISH LINE on Government Drive at the World's Fair Pavilion: Arrive by 9 a.m. to watch the runners. Park at the St. Louis Zoo and walk. American flags will be handed out to the first 2,500 fans gathered at the finish line.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Media seeking interviews or more information on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Marathon Trials can contact Marc Schreiber, Sports Commission director of marketing and communications, at 314-982-0683; or Diana Minardi Strauss, Spirit of St. Louis Marathon director of public relations, at 314-378-6641.