Sports: Hops Marathon may add prize money

Hops Marathon may add prize money

By PETE YOUNG

The Hops Marathon, which drew 3,152 runners to its inaugural race on Dec. 10 in Tampa, could begin to offer prize money as soon as this year, race director Susan Harmeling said.

"I feel certain it will happen. I don't know when it will happen," Harmeling said. "We don't want to overextend financially. We want to make sure we can handle it before we do it.

"It's an issue we're going to be discussing."

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association, which operates the Hops Marathon, is consumed with preparations for the 24th Gasparilla Distance Classic on Feb. 24 and will not make a decision on prize money for the marathon until March or April, Harmeling said.

By offering prize money, the race could appeal to world-class runners. The Gasparilla Distance Classic, which annually draws more than 10,000 competitors to its signature 15K race and accompanying 5K, offered prize money through 1998 (more than $70,000 in '98) but no longer does.

Also, Harmeling said the marathon will have an accompanying half-marathon instead of an 8K. The half-marathon works out better logistically, and the 8K had a disappointing turnout.

"(The 8K) was a mistake, but overall (the marathon) was pretty darn fantastic," Harmeling said. "The comments we got were incredible. I wish I could bottle them.

"I'd love to see double the participation (Dec. 9). We'll do our part to promote it and build it up."