(Tumon, Guam) – Thursday, September 12, 2013 — The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), along with presenting sponsors United Airlines, DFS Galleria, Gatorade, the stations of KUAM and the Pacific Islands Club have announced plans for the 2013 Guam Ko’ko’ Half Marathon and Ekiden Relay.  The 2013 Guam Ko’ko’ race will be held Sunday, October 20, 2013 at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Ypao) with showtime at 4am and go time at 5 a.m.

Registration for the race is now open at GVB in Tumon, Hornet Sports in Tamuning or online at www.guamkokoroadrace.com and early bird registration ends Tomorrow, Friday – September 13, 2013. Early bird registration fees are available for International, Guam Residents & U.S. Military participants in both the Soloist Half Marathon and the Ekiden Relay, with the school division for the Ekiden Relay set at just $20, or $5 per runner, to encourage as many students as possible to participate.  Online registration is open through the October 16^th closing deadline.

This year marks the eighth anniversary of the race, which is a half marathon solo and ekiden relay (4‐person team – with each participant running approx. 5km).  Both races still start and end at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial (Ypao Beach) Park.  However, the race course has changed, with the half marathon solo course showcasing the villages of Tumon, Tamuning, Asan, and the capital city of Hagåtña, while the ekiden relay will remain entirely in the village of Tumon.  Additionally, there will be community cheering groups along the race course, as well as cultural entertainers.  The International Association of Athletics Federation certified the race course as officially 13.1 miles long.

Race participants will receive a dri-fit race t-shirt, ditty bag, Ko’ko’ towel, finishers medal, keychain, and post-race replenishment pack.  Additionally, GVB and its partners are proud to offer local food and beverage concessions for participant and spectator purchase at the event’s post-race festival at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Ypao). Post-race festivities are open to the public and will begin around 7am, featuring local entertainment, cultural activities, as well as the Ko’ko’ awards ceremony and raffle.

“As we celebrate 50 years of tourism on Guam, we’re proud that the island’s tourism product has matured into a world-class destination serving over 1.3 million visitors annually,” said GVB General Manager Karl Pangelinan. “The Ko’ko’ Race is a signature event for GVB and we’re working to attract even more participation both locally and internationally”.

In 2012, Ko’ko’ welcomed over 800 international participants from Japan, Korea, the CNMI & the Philippines, who in combination with local participants brought the total to over 1,800 runners.  GVB is committed to growing this event in overseas and local participation and further developing sports tourism on Guam.

For More Information:

TONY MUÑA, JR.

Public Information Officer

GUAM VISITORS BUREAU

Office: 648-1495  I  Mobile: 686-4827

Email: antonio.muna@visitguam.org