For Immediate Release

Aug. 25, 2016

Bedford, NH – Millennium Running’s owner & founder, John Mortimer and Manchester Marathon Association’s president, Larry Gagnon, announced today that Millennium Running will be directing the Manchester City Marathon, powered by SNHU, set for Sunday, November 6, 2016 in Manchester, NH.  This news comes on the heels of the announcement of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) signing a 3-year agreement as the marathon’s new title sponsor.

For the last 9 years, the Manchester City Marathon was produced by the non-profit entity, Manchester Marathon Association.  In hopes of taking the event to the next level for its’ 10th anniversary and beyond, the Association’s Executive Board made a strategic decision to explore a partnership with a professional event management company.

“Millennium Running has demonstrated in its short history to be an outstanding and successful event management company. The [MM] Association’s decision to consider establishing a partnership with such a organization and the ultimate decision to work with Millennium is a direct result and acknowledgement of their success.” explained Gagnon.   “With the MR partnership and our recent announcement of SNHU becoming our title sponsor, the Association looks forward to growing the Manchester City Marathon to become the premier event in the state and in the region.”

Millennium Running and the Manchester Marathon Association finalized a long-term partnership agreement effective immediately where Millennium Running will operate and produce all aspects event.  Moreover, the Half Marathon, Relay, and 5k races that are run within the event will be included in the Elliot Millennium Series, where participants complete 26.2 miles from Millennium’s other 14 Signature events to earn a Series Jacket.

“We are excited to add the Manchester City Marathon, powered by SNHU to the portfolio of signature events produced by Millennium Running,” stated Millennium Running’s John Mortimer.    “With the addition of the Marathon distance, Millennium now offers the community an opportunity to challenge themselves in distances ranging from a 1-mile event on January 1st all the way up to a Marathon,” added Mortimer.

With athletes and spectators coming from all over the New England to participate in the Manchester City Marathon, powered by SNHU, the city and local businesses will see a positive economic impact between hotel nights and money spent at local restaurants. and other local businesses.

“By attracting thousands of visitors to Manchester each year, community events like the Manchester City Marathon support the growth and vibrancy of our business community and local economy,” stated Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Michael Skelton. “We look forward to working with partners like Millennium Running and SNHU to grow this important event and the positive economic impact it has on our community.”

To produce an event that spans 26.2 miles of city streets and requires coordinated efforts between the event organizers, city officials and departments.  To ensure a safe event, Millennium Running will hire nearly 4 dozen members of the Manchester Police Department and officers from surrounding towns as well as a medical team from the Manchester Fire Department, CMC Hospital, and American Medical Response.

“Millennium Running has a very strong relationship with our City officials and police department, so we are confident that the Marathon will be a very well run event,” added Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas.   “With Millennium Running at the helm of the Manchester City Marathon, powered by SNHU, we look forward to hosting more runners in our beautiful city in November.”

The 2016 Manchester City Marathon, powered by SNHU was also selected as marathon championship in the USA Track & Field New England Grand Prix Series.  As such, hundreds of the finest distances runners in all age groups will travel to the City of Manchester to compete.

“Our USATF-NE membership, in selecting championship venues for races, is seeking professionally managed and officiated races among all age groups and especially among our member club’s scoring teams. Winning matters to these teams.  With Millennium’s experience in managing highly competitive races our membership will embrace the Manchester Marathon as the culmination of the USATF-NE Grand Prix in 2016 and beyond.” Tom Derderian, USATF-NE president.

About Millennium Running.   Founded in 2011 by John Mortimer, Millennium Running has quickly grown into New Hampshire’s largest road race company with over 66,000 participants finishing its’ signature events, managed events and timed events, annually.  Since 2011, Millennium has distributed over $400,000 to local organizations and non-profits from event proceeds.   In March of 2016, Millennium expanded with a Running Specialty Store located in its’ new headquarters in Bedford, NH.

About the Manchester City Marathon and Association.   In 2007, the Manchester City Marathon and related events was established by the Manchester Marathon Association, a group of spirited and dedicated volunteers, with the goals of bringing health and fitness events to the greater Manchester area, and donating event proceeds to local non-profits organizations. Located in southern New Hampshire, the Manchester City Marathon, a Boston Marathon Qualifier, encompasses the many scenic and historical sites of the area, including running along and over the picturesque Merrimack River and through the world renown historic Millyard. Just 45 minutes from Boston, the city offers visitors an array of accommodations and dining, as well as activities that the whole family can enjoy!