18th Annual Carousel to Coaster 10k Run & 5k Walk

Santa Clara, CA -- Paramount's Great America turns into a runners' and walkers' delight for the 18th Annual Carousel to Coaster 10K Run and 5K Walk on Sunday, Sept. 24. All proceeds benefit Friends of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation, a non-profit scholarship organization.

The courses start in Paramount's Great America's parking lot I and run through the park, entering Carousel Plaza, passing the twists and turns of Invertigo and kicking through Stealth Plaza - home of the world's first and only true flying coaster, Stealth. Both courses continue through adjoining neighborhood streets and back to Paramount's Great America for the finish.

Carousel to Coaster starts at 8:30 a.m. Warm-ups and aerobics begin at 8 a.m. Entries will be accepted between 7 and 8 a.m. on the day of the race. For race registration information call the Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department at (408) 984-3257 or register on-line at www.alphais.com/santa_clara/3044.html. Race-day registration is $20. All registered racers receive a commemorative T-shirt (while supplies last).

All participants finishing the race receive a ribbon and complimentary admission to Paramount's Great America on the day of the race. Medals are awarded to the first three places in each category of the 10K, both male and female. A grand prize is awarded to the top overall male and female finishers.

Sponsors include Paramount's Great America, City of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation, Santa Clara High Track Club, Black Mountain Spring Water, Zanotto's Family Markets and NEC Electronics, Inc.

Paramount's Great America features more than 50 thrill rides, coasters and other attractions - the most and best in Northern California - all free with park admission. Free yourself from the bonds of earth and soar through the skies on the all-new Stealth, the worlds first and only true flying coaster. Kids and parents can enjoy more than 20 family rides and attractions -- the most in the Bay Area - at the only area park with Angelica Pickles from the Nickelodeon Rugrats, Yogi Bear and Scooby-Doo.

The park is open Friday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 4 and remains open weekends through Sunday Oct. 15. The park opens at 10 a.m.; closing times vary. Operating schedule subject to change without notice.

General admission is $39.99 and includes free upgrade to a WOW! Card, valid for unlimited repeat visits through October 15, 2000. Pre-purchased tickets can be upgraded at any ticket booth at the front gate. No discounts may be applied. Children (age 3 through 6 years or under 48 inches) are $19.99 - half price - and Seniors (age 60 and older) are $29.99. Children's and senior tickets are not valid for the WOW! Card.

Visit the park at www.pgathrills.com for more information on Paramount's Great America.