DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2008) - Runners, lace up your sneakers.

Daytona International Speedway is joining forces with the Central Florida Sports Commission, the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Daytona Beach Sports Council of Volusia County to host the inaugural Daytona Beach Half Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 7 a.m.

Course map for the Daytona Beach Half Marathon (.pdf)

The 13.1-mile race will start at historic Daytona International Speedway, proceed through the streets of Daytona Beach and include a half-mile run along the "World's Most Famous Beach" before concluding at the Speedway’s legendary start/finish line.

“There’s not a better site to begin and finish the inaugural Daytona Beach Half Marathon than at Daytona International Speedway,” Track President Robin Braig said. “We’re proud to add the inaugural Daytona Beach Half Marathon to our storied racing traditions here at 'The World Center of Racing.’ ”

“Because of its unique setting and the opportunity to run on the track, the Daytona Beach Half Marathon will quickly become one of the southeast’s most anticipated endurance races,” added Central Florida Sports Commission Interim Executive Director Brent Nelson. “This is a great partnership with the Speedway as we create an exciting, new event for Volusia County and all of Central Florida.”

Advanced entry fee for the Daytona Beach Half Marathon is $60 per person (must sign up by Oct. 1) and includes an event t-shirt, finisher’s medal, post-race party admission and Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction admission.

For more information on the Daytona Beach Half Marathon, visit www.daytonahalf.com