In other area news..Mankato is hoping to attract athletes from around the country, as it plans to host the inaugural Mankato Marathon next October.The Greater Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau says planning of the marathon began in early summer.The event, managed by Final Stretch, Inc. of Nerstrand, Minnesota, will take place Oct. 23, 2010.It will include a full marathon, as well as a half marathon and 10K events.The route, which will highlight major trails, parks and Mankato's city center, will be finalized by January.It will be a Boston Marathon qualifier...the city expects 1,000 runners for the first year.