For the first time in the history of the Martian Marathon Invasion of Races, race director and Running Fit owner, Randy Step has announced that prize money will be available in the marathon event. Step notes that “to be eligible, men must run under 2:25:00 and women under 2:50:00.” The top three men and women who finish within the required standards will receive $1,000, $500 and $300 for their respective performances.

This added incentive is in addition to more than $4,000 available in the Meteor 10K, and Asics shoes will be awarded to all age division winners. Step clarifies that cash winners will be removed from age groups.

All races will be held on Saturday April 10, 2010 at Ford Field in Dearborn, MI. For another first in the event’s ten-year running, a marathon relay race has been added. Teams of five will cover the entire 26.2 mile distance with each athlete covering anywhere from 4.4 – 5.9 miles. Teams can be gender based or mixed, and all members will receive a commemorative finishers medal.

Courses are USATF certified, and cash awards will be based on gun times. Chip timing will be used for age division awards.

Elite runners are eligible for comped entries, special parking and other exclusive perks. Those who wish to be considered for elite status need to email ian@runningfit.com with their running background including recent performances and best times, gender, date of birth and complete contact information.

Children who wish to participate in the Mini-Martian Marathon need to run 25 miles by April 10. On race day, they will line up in front of thousands of spectators to complete the final 1.2 miles of their marathon adventure. Once they log the tenth mile of their training, they will be awarded a stuffed Martian, which can be picked up at any Running Fit location. All children who complete their mission will receive a shirt and finishers medal.

For kids’ Mini-Martian log books and more information on all of the events, please visit http://www.martianmarathon.com/ or call (734) 929-9027.