Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half-Marathon Opens Registration – Race debuts redesigned website for destination half-marathon

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – After a successful debut in 2010, organizers of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half-Marathonhave opened race registration today for the Sunday October 2, 2011 endurance event.

Also debuting are the event's re-designed website and a newly-completed slide show from the 2010 race showcasing the event's athletes, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, organizers and media.

The destination half marathon begins at the historic Mount Vernon home of George Washington in Alexandria, Virginia, continues down the beautiful George Washington Memorial Parkway, crosses the Woodrow Wilson Bridge path over the Potomac River and ends at the luxurious National Harbor in Maryland.

The 13.1-mile course is certified by USA Track & Field and the event sanctioned by USATF.

Registration can be found at www.wilsonbridgehalf.com

Entries will be limited to 5,000 starters. Last year, the race sold out prior to race day with 4,000 entrants.

Michael Wardian, four-time winner of the National Marathon and USA Track & Field 50K/100K National Champion, was top American here last year, seventh overall.

"I thought the level of competition was excellent especially for a first-year event," the world-class ultramarathoner from Arlington said after the race. "Steve Nearman and Pacers did a great job providing a good course and venue for a first-class race. I would do it again for sure and I am glad it is a part of the fall racing calendar now."

The event once again will benefit at least five charity partners including Autism Speaks, Alice Ferguson Foundation, Child & Family Network Centers of Alexandria, Washington Area Women's Foundation and Back on My Feet – DC.

Race organizers donated more than $25,000 to charity last year. Some $10,000-plus was awarded to top finishers, including female champion Catherine Ndereba of Kenya, considered the world's greatest female marathoner ever.

Training programs associated with the half-marathon again will be organized. Age group awards and prize money for the 2011 race will be announced soon. The USABA (United States Association of Blind Athletes) National Half-Marathon Championships again will be held in conjunction with the race.

For information, visit wilsonbridgehalf.com and Facebook @wilsonbridgehalf.