Resorts in Myrtle Beach Host Runners and Supporters During Marathon Weekend

MYRTLE BEACH, SC--(Marketwire - Jan 30, 2013) -  Resorts in Myrtle Beach will host a different kind of love this Valentine's Day weekend, when passionate runners and their supporters head to town for the 16^th Annual BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon.

From February 14^th to the 16^th, 2013, the area surrounding Barefoot Landing Myrtle Beach hotels will host a number of marathon-related events for the whole family.

The weekend kicks off on February 14^th, with the Runner's Expo, near this Myrtle Beach family resort. The two-day exposition is free and open to the public, offering a place for participants to pick up race bibs and runner shirts, and check out goods from a variety of vendors. Official marathon merchandise will be on sale, and attendees will have a chance to cozy up to some tiger cubs, this year's new addition. The cubs are just some of the exotic animals The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.) are bringing to this year's race.

Families can run together on February 15^th at the Ripley's Family Fun Run, a one-mile race that starts and finishes outside Ripley's Aquarium. After the race, the aquarium will host a party with refreshments. Later that evening, don't miss the PNC 5K.

Saturday the 16^th hosts both the Dasani Half Marathon and the main event, the BI-LO Marathon. After crossing the finish line, celebrate with fellow marathoners, friends and family at the House of Blues Post Race Party. Free for registered participants and just $20 for guests, the 21 and older party will offer food, refreshments and entertainment. Runners can pick up awards and trophies here, too.

The marathon will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Carolina and the Horry County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Since its first year, the marathon has raised almost $3 million for these worthy charities.

After the marathon, participants can treat themselves to a much-need and well-deserved treatment at this hotel's Myrtle Beach spa. For information about treatments and booking, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/myrgd-myrtle-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa-at-grande-dunes/.

About the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
Spread across 22,000 acres, the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes features the technology, services and facilities today's business traveler needs to stay productive, and the amenities every vacationer wants to unwind and indulge. Set within an upscale residential community environment, this AAA Four Diamond resort features a large beachfront pool with waterslide, tennis, an indoor pool, sauna, fully equipped fitness center, Fishtank Kids' Club and European-style spa with a full range of treatments to pamper guests from head to toe. A full-service business center and 45,000 square feet of meeting and event space can meet the needs of large corporations and small celebrations alike. Guestrooms and suites offer a marble bathroom, high-speed Internet access, spacious desk, beds with crisp linens and custom duvets and stunning ocean views. Dining takes advantage of the resort's gorgeous beach setting at both Ocean on 82^nd and the poolside Ocean Blu.