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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2012

For more information:
Zach Stratton
360-750-1553 Ext 19
marketingadmin@visitvancouverusa.com

JAM-PACKED WEEKEND FULL OF RUNNING AND BEER SLATED FOR FATHER'S DAY
WEEKEND IN THE VANCOUVER USA REGION
Vancouver USA Marathon, Spartan Race and Who's Your Daddy Beer Festival Highlight
the Weekend

VANCOUVER, Wash. - Fitness enthusiasts and beer lovers alike will have no shortage of activities to partake in this Father's Day weekend, June 15-17, in the Vancouver USA region. The Vancouver USA Marathon and accompanying activities in Esther Short Park, the Spartan race in Washougal, and the Who's Your Daddy Beer Festival at Turtle Place in downtown Vancouver will make for one of the busiest weekends of the summer.

"This eventful weekend will really highlight what makes the Vancouver USA region not just a great place to live but a unique place to visit as well," said Kim Bennett, President and CEO of Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. "With the recent and upcoming additions of breweries in the area, we are quickly emerging as a distinct craft brew destination, and with our ideal summer climate and terrain, we are seeing more and more fitness events, races and conferences being held here."

On Friday and Saturday, Fit Right will be hosting a fitness expo at the Hilton Vancouver, where runners can pick up their marathon race packets and view the latest in athletic goods, services and products. The Vancouver USA Marathon (www.vancouverusamarathon.com ) will also be hosting live music and a beer garden in Esther Short Park throughout the weekend, with Widmer Brother's Brewing, Ninkasi Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Michelob Ultra, and Shock Top on hand. The Freedom 5K and Kids Marathon will be held on Saturday, while the Vancouver USA Marathon and Half Marathon will take place Sunday morning, beginning from Esther Short Park.

At the Washougal Motocross Park on Saturday, a Spartan Race (www.spartanrace.com) will be held for the first time in the Pacific Northwest, as part of the national series of obstacle course races. The endurance race is a 5K and features more than 15 obstacles, including fire, water, and lots of mud, to challenge the competitors before they reach the finish line. More than 4,000 participants have registered at this point, with race organizers expecting up to 5,000 by race day. Spectators are invited out to the course as well and can purchase a $15 spectator ticket on site the day of the race.

"We are thrilled to bring an event as unique, challenging and fun as the Spartan Race to our area," said Ashley Shimer, Sports Sales Manager at the Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office and Sports Commission. "With the various marathon races happening in downtown Vancouver and the Spartan Race taking place in Washougal the same weekend, there are options for everyone, no matter their fitness level."

For those still searching for a unique Father's Day weekend activity, By the Bottle will be hosting the third annual Who's Your Daddy Beer Festival on Saturday (www.bottledbrews.com) in Turtle Place, marking the first year the festival will be outside. Entry to the event is $15, which will include a commemorative tasting glass and six sample tokens. Festivities throughout the day will include a chili cook-off, tin foil hat contest, and plenty of Washington beer sampling.

About Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office (formerly Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau)
is an economic development organization responsible for competitively marketing Vancouver and the
surrounding area as a destination for meetings, conventions, and group and leisure travelers. The
organization's mission is to promote Vancouver and Clark County by increasing convention and visitor
business. For more information call 877-224-4214, or visit www.VisitVancouverUSA.com.

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