ERIE, PA. (August 21, 2013) – As part of the Perry 200 Commemoration’s Finale on Sunday, September 8, citizens from across Erie County are invited to apply for a chance to participate in the Perry Monument Relighting Torch Relay.

The relay will consist of 36 total runners carrying an authentic Olympic Torch, with each runner as part of a team of five named after one of the Battle of Lake Erie Fleet Ships. Each group will be comprised of one Perry 200 Representative and four runners, and will run one mile. This 9.4 mile relay will start at 7:00 p.m. at Liberty Park, where the Erie Philharmonic will be playing in honor of the conclusion of the Perry 200 Commemoration. Torch-bearers will finish their journey at the Perry Monument, located near Misery Bay in Presque Isle State Park, where an “Eternal Flame” will be lit to signify the end of the Perry 200 Commemoration and the beginning of the next phase in Erie history.

Runners must be 18 years of age or older (portions of the trail are wheelchair-accessible; this contest is open to wheelchair-bound contestants), and must be able to run one full mile in under 12:00 minutes. The contest is now open, and will run until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23. There will be 18 men and 18 women chosen at random to participate in this unique historic event. A waiting list will be started and all winners will be notified no later than Friday, August 23 at 5:00 p.m. (including wait-list contestants).

The groups of five will have designated meeting points at pre-determined mile markers. A shuttle will take runners back to their vehicles if so desired. Runners will be required to be at their designated mile at least 10 minutes before the arrival of the torch (more details on timing TBD). The pace for each mile will be set by the Perry 200 Representative (not faster than 10 minutes/mile, but not slower than 13:00 minutes per mile).

The total length of the Torch Relay is approximately 9.4 miles from Liberty Park to the Perry Monument.

For more information and to enter the contest, visit http://www.perry200.com/perry-monument-relighting-relay/. For more information on Perry 200 Commemoration programs and events, please visit www.Perry200.com, e-mail info@perry200.com, or call the Jefferson Educational Society at 814-459-8000.