Route 66 Marathon Medal Design Unveiled

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 17, 2008

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Jen Clark
Rex Public Relations
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Not just another medal
Route 66 Marathon medals designed by famous artist

TULSA, OKLA. – Finishing one of the Route 66 Marathon races will leave each participant with a medal that features the first glimpse of the iconic sculpture by internationally renowned artist Robert Summers for the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza.
Summers’ design, “Where East Meets West,” is replicated on the 2008 Route 66 Marathon medals. The image is one of oil field workers in a horse-pulled carriage running into Cyrus Avery and family in their automobile on “America’s Main Street,” Route 66.
“I was very elated and proud that the marathon committee wanted to feature the sculpture on their marathon medal this year,” Summers said. “What a great honor, and I’m humbled that Tulsa would choose this image.”
The Route 66 Marathon medal is not just another medal, but a reminder of the historic highway’s impact. It’s a reminder of a time when Tulsa was the oil capital of the world and transportation was evolving, making regions without ports economically successful.
According to Chris Lieberman, Executive Director of the Route 66 Marathon, it was the hard work and dedication of Tulsans like Cyrus Avery that inspired the name of the race.
“Robert Summers was very gracious to allow us to use his incredible artwork on our Finisher’s Medals,” Lieberman said. “We are excited to have the opportunity to give our participants from around the world the opportunity to take home a preview of the sculpture that will be installed at The Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza.”
More than 8,000 people are expected to participate in the Route 66 Marathon events on Nov. 16. Everyone who finishes one of the timed races or the Kid’s Marathon will receive one of the finisher’s medals.
“We are glad the Route 66 Marathon officials worked so diligently to include the artwork from the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza with the race,” said Dennis Whitaker with the City of Tulsa Planning Department.
“The road is still living, evolving and finding relevance in today's world,” Whitaker said. “We want to make Route 66 interesting to all age groups, so when Chris called to ask about using the Plaza and then including an image of the future artwork, we were ecstatic to find that type of interest with such a broad range of participants.”
For all who are planning on participating in one of the Route 66 Marathon events, the last day to register before entry fees increase is Sept. 30. Also, if participants register by Sept. 30, they will receive a free personalized race number that includes their name and home town.
USA Track & Field certified and timed races include the Full Marathon, 26.2 miles; Half Marathon, 13.1 miles; Quarter Marathon, 6.55 miles; and 5-Person Full Marathon Relay. Other races include the Mayors’ 5K Fun Run and Fitness Walk and the 1.2 mile Kid’s Marathon. The Full Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. Walkers are welcome in all races.
The Route 66 Marathon is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that benefits the Tulsa Area United Way. For more information or to register for any of the events, visit www.route66marathon.com or call (918) 794-5841.
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Notes: Photos of the medals are available upon request

*Cyrus Avery
· Known as the “Father of Route 66”
· Avery was a Tulsa County Commissioner who lobbied Congress for the establishment of U.S. Highway 66

*Robert Summers
· Sculptor and painter
· Created bronze reliefs that are part of the United States Navy Memorial
· Created the most photographed landmark in Dallas, a larger-than-life bronze depiction of a trail drive at the Dallas Convention Center
· Has created several commissioned sculptures for various cities, including a larger-than-life John Wayne at Orange County Airport
· Says “Where East Meets West” is the most difficult sculpture he has done due to the details of the sculpture