COMCAST SPORTSNET BECOMES SPORTS TELEVISION NETWORK OF 2008 MARINE CORPS MARATHON Network’s Partnership with MCM to Include Exclusive Live Television Coverage at Oct. 26 Marathon, Event Presence, Pre-Event Coverage and More

Bethesda, MD (Sept. 22, 2008) – Comcast SportsNet, the leader in local sports television, announced today a new partnership with the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon to become the Sports Television Network of the Marine Corps Marathon.

On Sunday, Oct. 26, the network will provide viewers live coverage from the starting line of the 33rd MCM with a special edition of SportsDay running from 7:30-8:30 a.m. In addition, the network will provide live cut-ins during the marathon. Comcast SportsNet will also produce a 30-minute special program, “The Marine Corp Marathon: The People’s Marathon” to air at 10:30 p.m. the evening of the race. “The People’s Marathon” will include interviews, extensive human-interest features and a wrap up of the race.

“Comcast SportsNet’s partnership with the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon allows our network to be part of one of Washington, D.C.’s signature event,” said Rebecca Schulte, senior vice president and general manager of Comcast SportsNet. “We are proud to be strongly associated with this annual celebration of our service men and women who run aside thousands of citizens as the entire community lines the streets in support of these fantastic athletes. This partnership is another way Comcast SportsNet can connect with its viewers by continuing to offer local sports programming that matters most to the people of this region.”

Leading up to the Oct. 26 event, Comcast SportsNet will air features on the history of the MCM, inspirational stories of those involved, and interviews with executives and participating runners. These segments will air during SportsNite at 6:30 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m., and Washington Post Live at 5 p.m.

“The Marine Corps Marathon has always been a premiere event for spectators and participants,” said Rick Nealis, Race Director. “The pageantry, the patriotism and the energy of race day translate perfectly for people at home to be part of race morning by watching on Comcast SportsNet. It is also exciting for the runners, who will be able to go home that night and watch highlights of the day in a way they never have before.”

Beth Johnson
 
www.marinemarathon.com