marathon

Today on Current State: Lansing police chief retires; folk legend Tom Paxton; Michigan tourism; world renowned trumpeter Alison Balsom; and the Lansing Marathon.

 Runners from around Michigan, the Midwest, Europe and South America will gather on Sunday for the second annual Lansing Marathon. At last years inaugural event, about 1,700 runners participated in either the marathon itself, the half-marathon or any of three other events. Race director Owen Anderson joins Current State to discuss the race's economic impact, security and other aspects of the event.

About 1800 runners braved blustery conditions Sunday for what  organizers call the first ever Lansing Marathon.

Organizers in Lansing are counting down to April, when the city will hold its inaugural marathon.  

The Lansing Marathon will take place April 22 and cover a standard 26.2 mile course.  The race will start outside the Accident Fund Insurance building in downtown Lansing, cross into East Lansing near Michigan State University, turn south to Holt, back into Lansing via Potter Park and end at the Capitol.  Race director Owen Anderson says he's studied marathons in similarly sized communities, and finds they bring strong economic benefits.