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Some runners are wary about
$105 fee to register for the race
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The future of the Palm Beaches Marathon is "in question after a late breakdown in negotiations that would have called for the organizers of SunFest to produce the event for the race's Chicago-based owners," according to Hal Habib of the PALM BEACH POST. SunFest Exec Dir Paul Jamieson said yesterday that the "ownership group headed by Chris Devine twice attempted to overhaul their deal after oral agreements had been reached," and that SunFest's BOD "decided 'enough was enough' and walked away last week." Devine confirmed Jamieson's claims, adding that he "sensed the deal might never get signed about a month ago and began talking with another race director, whom he plans to introduce Friday." Devine said the race weekend, Dec. 3-4, will go off "without question." However, the Palm Beaches Marathon "lacks a race director, staff, local office and presenting sponsor." Publix' deal "as presenting sponsor expired last year." Devine said that he has "commitments from 'multiple sponsors,' plus vendors lined up for the race expo at CityPlace, although he declined to provide details." Habib noted the race's website is "largely dedicated to the 2012 event," though local runners "have become wary about committing as much as $105 to register for the marathon and are asking whether the 68 remaining days are enough to organize a 26.2-mile race." But Devine said that entries "are only 2 percent behind the rate of the 2010 event" (
PALM BEACH POST, 9/27).
