Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez to host news conference recognizing Miami Marathon and Half Marathon runners
(MIAMI, January 30, 2014) – Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, along with members of the Board of County Commissioners, is hosting a news conference on Friday, January 31, at 3:00 p.m., at the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street, Room 29-A, in Miami, to recognize runners participating in the February 2, Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. During the news conference, elite runners from such countries as Costa Rica, Kenya and Ethiopia, and Maickel Melamed from Venezuela will be presented with distinguished visitor certificates.
“I’m so honored to be able to recognize some extraordinary athletes,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “Some of them have broken records, while others have overcome some unimaginable obstacles.”
Melamed is an inspirational 38-year-old Venezuelan who suffers from a muscle disorder similar to Muscular Dystrophy known as Hypotonia, which makes any physical exertion extremely difficult. He travels the world to inspire others by participating in marathons. Melamed will begin the marathon at 4:15 a.m. and be escorted by the Miami Beach Police Department. He has achieved world recognition for completing marathons in New York and Chicago and Berlin.
“Maickel is truly an inspirational individual,” Miami Marathon Race Director Javier Sanchez said. “He demonstrates an incredible positive outlook filled with determination. I'm looking forward to welcoming him to the finish line on race day.”
Miami Marathon and Half Marathon
The three-day weekend event, held during the last weekend in January and in February in 2014 due to the calendar, features races including a 5K, half marathon and marathon. It also includes one of the largest health and fitness expos in the region drawing over 40,000 visitors and participants to the Miami Beach Convention Center for the two days leading up to the race.
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It is the policy of Miami Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call at least five days in advance.
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Lynda Bell
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally A. Heyman
Miami Marathon Race Director Javier Sanchez
Selected Miami Marathon and Half Marathon Runners
111 NW 1st Street
Room 29-A
Miami, FL 33128