Callaway Gardens Announces 2012 Fitness Series Schedule

March 7, 2012 - PRLog -- PINE MOUNTAIN, GA  – Each year Callaway Gardens hosts a variety of fitness events that are nationally known for both their competitiveness and the beauty of the setting.

The 2012 Callaway Gardens Fitness Series includes:

Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K annually that took place January 29. The marathon is US Track & Field Association certified and a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.  Interestingly, this particular marathon is popular among the 50 State Marathon Club, a group of athletes who attempt to compete in one marathon in each of the 50 U.S. States.  This Callaway Gardens event is one of the few that is a popular “repeat” event for many in the marathon club, which surely is a testimony to the beauty of Callaway Gardens.

Duathlon (5K run, 30K bike, 5K run) and 5K on May 13.  Duathlons are less common these days making this event at Callaway Gardens a unique opportunity.

Sprint Triathlon (1/4 mile swim, 9 mile bike, 2 mile run) on June 17.  Now the biggest event of its kind in the Southeast, its quick ascent to the top is largely due to its popularity for first-time triathletes and for young athletes.

Triathlon (1K swim, 30K bike, 8K run) and 5K on September 2.  The Callaway Gardens event is the longest running triathlon in the continental United States.

Twilight 10K race on November 3.  Certified by US Track and Field, this event has been a qualifier for the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race since its beginning in 1998.

Mountain Bike Competition on November 4.  This mountain bike competition has skill levels from first-timers to expert.

Individual athletes and teams can register for these events at www.active.com..  For more information, contact Dave Johnson Enterprises at 770-565-5208.  Participants’ registration fee includes admission to the Gardens.  Spectators can enter the Gardens $18 for one guest or $30 per car for two to five guests.

Fitness Series participants can request a special rate for overnight lodging that includes admission to Callaway Gardens so they can be well rested for their events.
Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus.  For additional information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

*Details subject to change.

About Callaway Gardens
For 60 years, Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors.  Owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, Callaway Gardens includes a garden, resort, preserve and residential community on 13,000 acres in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  Highlights include a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, discovery center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails and special events throughout the year.

In addition, Callaway Gardens offers nearly 80,000 square feet of meeting space, 685 guest rooms, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, fishing and more.

Five unique, close-knit residential communities--with custom home sites, lakefront properties and cottages on the golf course – offer an ideal home away from home or full-time residence.

Callaway Gardens is home to a 4,610-acre forest preserve which is under conservation easement.  This conserved, sustainably-managed land is used for biological studies and environmental education programs.

Note to Editors:  Images, interviews and visits to the event can be arranged.  Thank you.

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A gardens, resort, preserve and community, owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, offering "So Much to See and Do" while "Connecting Man and Nature in a way that Benefits Both." Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia.