CUMBERLAND — The inaugural Mountain Maryland Marathon is 90 days from its April 19 debut and organizers continue to develop partnerships with local businesses and government leaders to make the event a success.

Planners already are close to reaching their first-year goal of at least 200 runners for the event, presented by Life Fitness Management. As of Thursday, there were 130 pre-registered participants spread between the 26.2-mile marathon, the half marathon, 5K for United Way and kids marathon.

There are 40 marathoners signed up through Friday, along with 50 half marathoners, 16 5K runners and 27 kids marathoners. While the first two events are fairly straight forward, the latter two are both special in their own right, said Kevin Spradlin, executive director of the Mountain Maryland Marathon Club.

The kids marathon is something else altogether, he said. Children ages 13 and under are eligible for the event, which requires participants to complete 26.2 miles — but not all at once.

“From the time of registration until April 18, kids marathoners are expected to log 25 miles,” Spradlin said. “On April 19, kids marathoners should turn in their running logs we sent to them when they arrive on site. They’ll contest the final 1.2 miles of their event and cross the same finish line — receiving the same star treatment — and the full marathoners.”

Addressing course logistics are a top priority for planners. On Sunday, Tennessee resident and veteran marathon course measurer Al Dausman braved the cold to complete a three-day process of measuring the course. Dausman’s work will ultimately result in the marathon and half marathon certification by the U.S. Track and Field Association.

“That’s an important part of the equation for the distance races’ faster men and women,” Spradlin said. “While they’ll be racing for the prize money on April 19, their official times also will be able to be considered as qualifying times, if they run fast enough, for special events such as the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.”

The male and female winner of the marathon each will receive $1,000. The rest of the prize money structure, which depends largely on donations and support by local businesses, is yet to be determined by event organizers.

Cumberland station GO106 has agreed to be the official radio station of the event. The Allegany County Department of Tourism, Rehab First Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services, ATK, the LaVale Veterinary Hospital, TriStateRunnur.com and Art by Weeze also have committed to supporting the event.

For additional event information, log on to www.mountainMDmarathon.org, e-mail run@mountainMDmarathon.org or call (240) 522-0276.