'Reporters on The Run' accept Palm Beaches Marathon Challenge

West Palm Beach, Fla. - The Palm Beaches Marathon is about four months away, but preparations for the big day are well underway.

"People come here from all over the state, all over the country and all over the world," explains West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel.

Frankel says the economic impact to the area is huge. The event rakes in roughly ten million dollars.

For the thousands of people planning to pound the pavement for the Palm Beaches Marathon  there are changes this year.

"We are very excited about the improvements to the course," says race director Mat Forrest.

The changes start off with the direction of the course.  Runners will no longer begin heading south.  They will take off going north to avoid crossing the finish line before they're actually finished.

"We found it will be very exciting, there will be more waterfront as well as tree lined paths for the runners," adds Forrest.

The kids marathon mile will be moved to City Place.

Oh, and there's one other detail to mention.

The 'Reporters on the Run' have accepted the challenge from the Achilles South Florida International.  Thalia Hayden and Kristyn Caddell will attempt to run the entire 26.2 miles.

The group has 50 people signed up for this year's race and their goal is to encourage other disabled people in the community that it's not too late to get involved.

"I will put the medal right around your necks if you make it," says Mayor Lois Frankel.

And some words of advice from the mayor. "You gotta train hard and you have to stay away from the pies," she says.

These reporters realize there is 16 weeks until the big day and that is exactly the amount of time experts say is needed to train for a marathon.

Remember, if we can run it, you can run it!

Race day is December 5, 2010.  Entry fees for the half-marathon are $70.00 and $90.00 for the full race.  Fees will go up as the day gets closer.

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