Running USA 2008 Conference Recap
Record attendance, Hall of Champions inductees, record amount raised at auction, ideal San Diego weather for "20 in 10" theme

SAN DIEGO - (February 12, 2008) - A record number of nearly 400 people attended and participated at the Running USA 2008 Conference on February 10-12 in beautiful La Jolla, California. The premier running industry conference, powered by The Active Network and Gen-A Media & Marketing, covered the gambit of topics and challenges tied to the sport including branding, new technologies, youth running, best practices, race production and building the industry.

"This conference was a kick-off to our theme and goal "20 in 10" - 20 million event participants in 10 years, and with record attendance, terrific and informative speakers and breakout sessions, generous auction winners and ideal weather, this was our best conference yet. And we thank the sponsors, the attendees and the speakers for making it all possible," said Basil Honikman, CEO of Running USA.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
At the Monday evening awards banquet and auction presented by ING, the fifth class of the Running USA Hall of Champions was honored and acknowledged for their contribution and dedication to the sport:

* Anne Audain (Evansville, IN), athlete, author and race founder
* David Hannah (Houston, TX), Chevron Houston, race director/founder
* Basil & Linda Honikman (Ventura, CA), Running USA, administration, data collection and record keeping
* Wally Kastner (Carmel, CA), Big Sur International Marathon, race director
* Craig Masback (Indianapolis, IN), USATF CEO, administrator
* Larry Rawson (New York, NY), media, TV commentator

The following conference awards were also presented by the Running USA Youth Committee and YouthRunner.com:

Youth Program of the Year
Crim Youth Program, Flint, MI

Youth Program Contributor of the Year
Nike 5K Run for Kids Series

In addition, at the conference's silent and banquet auctions, over $80,000, a conference record, was raised for the Team Running USA and youth running programs.

Before the ING Hall of Champions banquet at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, there was a 30 minute fun run with Team Running USA athletes and 40-50 attendees. Team Running USA was represented by Ryan and Sara Hall, Jen Rhines, Ian Dobson, Julia Lucas, Steve and Sara Slattery, Meb Keflezighi, Kassi Andersen and Dan Browne and coaches Bob Larsen and Terrence Mahon.

At Monday's MarathonFoto luncheon, Sharon Barbano, a women's running leader and current Saucony public relations director, was presented the Her Sports Women's Trailblazer Award for her contributions to the sport, and on Tuesday, Craig Masback, Director of Business Affairs, Global Sports Marketing, Nike and former USA Track & Field CEO, gave the featured addressed at the MapMyRun.com Leadership Lunch.

About Running USA
Running USA, founded in 1999, is a tax-exempt, non-profit association devoted to improving the status of road racing and long distance running in the United States through education, research, communications, collective marketing, promotions, services to runners and events and athlete development. Running USA, through its conference and other communication channels, provides the community "meeting place" for major road race, media and athletic industry personnel.

Its event members represent over 500 U.S. races including many of the leading ones with over 2 million participants and millions of spectators and over $3 million in prize money. For more information on Running USA, its objectives, members and annual conference, visit RunningUSA.org or call Ryan Lamppa at (805) 696-6232.

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Olympic Trials Champion Ryan Hall, Dan Browne to Compete at USA Cross Country Championships
Top field expected at Mission Bay Park in San Diego; World Cross Country Championships qualifier

SAN DIEGO - (February 11, 2008) - Bob Larsen won't be on the starting line, but the veteran coach will have a major impact on the USA Cross Country Championships in San Diego as the entries of two of his top Team Running USA athletes - reigning U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials champion Ryan Hall and 2004 Olympian Dan Browne - have been announced by race officials.

The USA Cross Country Championships are set for Saturday, February 16 over a looped course at Mission Bay Park. A series of seven races that begins with the Road Runner Sports Community 4K at 9:00am, the national championships culminate with the Open Women's 8 kilometer race at 1:15pm and the Open Men's 12 kilometer race at 2:00pm.

Because this is an Olympic year and the two Open races serve as the U.S. qualifiers for March's World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland, a strong field is expected at Mission Bay. And, it doesn't get any stronger in American distance running these days than Hall.

"He's the real deal," said Larsen, a Hall of Fame distance running coach whose roots go back to the Jamul Toads in the mid-1970s, Grossmont College and UCLA, where his teams won nine Pac-10 titles over 13 years.

"This will be a real treat to watch Ryan and the other world class athletes run over a 2-kilometer course that makes several loops," said Larsen. "If we get nice weather with this venue, well you don't get that many opportunities for San Diego to be right there seeing Olympians competing. I'm hoping that some young kids come down to watch and are inspired to take up running because of what they'll see. You never know, you hear it happen in other sports, and these athletes are the type that can inspire the next generation."

Hall is certainly of that caliber. He is at the forefront of a continued resurgence in world-class marathoning by Americans, sparked in large part by the guidance of Larsen and Joe Vigil at Team Running USA, as well as the personal coaching of Terrence Mahon. Training in the high altitude of Mammoth Lakes, as well as at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Team Running USA athletes broke a U.S. 20-year distance drought by winning two Olympic marathon medals at the 2004 Athens Games - San Diego's Meb Keflezighi taking the men's silver and Deena Kastor capturing the women's bronze.

Hall seems poised to continue that trend at the Beijing Olympics this summer.

On November 3, 2007, the 25-year-old from Big Bear, Calif., broke loose on what was thought to be a slow and difficult course in New York's Central Park to dominate the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon. Running effortlessly late in the race, Hall shattered the U.S. Olympic Trials record with his winning time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, 2 seconds.

A year earlier, Hall made his debut on the world marathon stage, finishing 7th at the Flora London Marathon. His time of 2:08:24 was the fastest marathon debut by any American, and the fastest marathon ever run by a U.S.-born citizen.

"Ryan is just a super talented guy," said Larsen. "You could see very early on that he was special. He was a four-minute miler in high school and could have run a world-class marathon while he was at Stanford. His coach was sending me his workouts while he was in high school, and I was coaching world-class athletes who would have been hard pressed to do them.

"He's like America's Kenyan runner," added Larsen. "Encouraged by his father, he ran at an early age at altitude in Big Bear, just like the Kenyans do. And, he's obviously very gifted with genetics, just as the Kenyans are. The sky is the limit for Ryan. He's really got it. He can run with anyone in the world."

On February 16, San Diegans will get a chance to see for themselves when Hall, Browne, James Carney, Anthony Famiglietti, Jason Lehmkuhle, Dathan Ritzenhein, Josh Rohatinsky, Jorge Torres and others line up for the USA Cross Country Championships at Mission Bay.

Larsen, who coached his San Diego-based Jamul Toads to a team title in the 1976 USA Cross Country Championships, will be on hand to watch the best of America's current distance runners and re-visit with his athletes from the '70s.

More information about the USA Cross Country Championships including entrant lists is available online at www.usatf.org/events/2008/USAXCChampionships or by contacting co-meet directors Paul Greer (paul@...) or Thom Hunt (thunt@...).

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Running Times to Debut Editorial Redesign in May 2008 Issue
New look, expanded content for today's most dedicated runners

NEW YORK - (February 11, 2008) - Running Times Editor-in-Chief, Jonathan Beverly, has announced the magazine's plans to debut its anticipated editorial redesign in the May 2008 issue. The magazine is published by Rodale Inc. Further solidifying its position in the marketplace, Running Times' new look will capture the power and passion of competitive runners and endurance athletes with compelling photojournalism, new and enhanced editorial content and unprecedented news and service.

The magazine's redesign will introduce two new monthly sections - the NCAA Section and the Master's Section - each featuring up-to-date training tips, reader profiles and expert advice. The NCAA Section, spearheaded by new contributing editor Chris Lear, author of Running with the Buffaloes and Sub-4, will provide college athletes direct access to coach / athlete profiles, team reports / statistics as well as training and racing advice from top coaches and timely topics such as the dos and don'ts of transitioning out of college and into the pros. An interactive, online channel will compliment the in-book NCAA Section. This marks the first-time in the magazine's 30-year history that it will strategically engage and focus on the rapidly growing competitive college market. The Master's Section will specifically target the 40+ master runner and offer competitive training techniques and resources for this experienced demographic.

"Today's field of college athletes is one of the most competitive in the history of the sport," said Andrew Hersam, publishing director of the Runner's World Media Group. "Running Times recognizes the importance of these talented athletes and has created an exciting editorial product to meet their specific needs."

The May 2008 issue will also expand existing sections including the High School Section - bringing stories of the nation's best prep runners to life along with industry advice on scholastic running, science features and timely news / information and Running Shorts - the "reader favorite" front-of-book section enhanced to deliver a variety of news, notes, new product information and colorful interviews with some of today's most accomplished distance runners.

"The newly-redesigned Running Times has raised the bar in terms of editorial excellence," says Beverly. "As a magazine that focuses exclusively on the highly competitive runner, we are committed to delivering coverage that speaks to seasoned runners of all ages and levels of training. We are confident that new and existing readers will be impressed with the many editorial and visual upgrades."

About Running Times
Running Times, founded in 1977, covers the racing culture, explores the science and health effects of training and the training philosophies and practices of top athletes and coaches. Purchased by Rodale in 2007, Running Times also provides race reports and results, rates and profiles elite runners and provides stories and commentary that reflect the dedicated runner's worldview. Its online property, RunningTimes.com, provides an extensive database of races and other relevant information.

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Brown, Jones Win Buffalo Run Half-Marathon on Catalina Island
From Lauren Chemotti

AVALON, Calif. - (February 9, 2008) - Ben Brown of La Mirada (CA) successfully defended his title on Saturday morning at the Buffalo Run on Catalina Island. Brown, 26, finished the half-marathon distance of 13.1 miles in 1 hour, 24 minutes, 19 seconds - 17 minutes in front of the pack. This win sets up Brown to defend his American Trail Championship crown at the 31st Catalina Marathon on Saturday, March 15. Wadley Wad (Los Angeles) was runner-up, followed by Mike Whitcombe (Manhattan Beach).

On the women's side, Buffy Jones led the way with a time of 1:48:07. Hope Hall (Sherman Oaks, CA) placed second. American Trail Championship defending champion Amy Micheletti (Hermosa Beach, CA) clocked in at 1:59:04 to round out the top three.

Age proved to be nothing but a number in the 5K course. 10-year-old Chance Weston (Redondo Beach) was victorious in 19:56. 14-year-old Zachery Rice of Carlsbad, CA followed Weston in second, and Tim Young of Brea, CA took third.

For the 5K women, Jane Buskirk (Talkeetna, AK) garnered the top spot with a time of 23:19. Michel Perlin of Irvine and Catalina resident Alexis Romero followed her to finish in the top three.

Nature could not have provided a more perfect setting for the 450 athletes that headed out to Catalina this past weekend. 70-degree weather and clear skies made for beautiful scenic views as participants trekked up the interior of the island.

The finale of the American Trail Championship, the Catalina Marathon, takes place on Saturday, March 15. There are already approximately 750 participants registered to compete in the Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kid's Run courses. It is a hilly, challenging marathon, but worth every mile! Register at www.PacificSportsLLC.com to take part in the "#1 Off Road marathon in the world" (Runner's World Magazine).

Buffalo Run Half-Marathon
Avalon, Catalina Island, CA, Saturday, February 9, 2008

MEN
1) Ben Brown (CA), 1:24:19
2) Wadley Wad (CA), 1:41:08
3) Mike Whitcombe (CA), 1:45:06

WOMEN
1) Buffy Jones (CA), 1:48:07
2) Hope Hall (CA), 1:57:12
3) Amy Micheletti (CA), 1:59:04

Complete results available at: www.pacificsportsllc.com/BuffaloRun/brresults.html

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@... | www.RunningUSA.org

American Mile Record-Holder Alan Webb to Open Olympic Year at the Central Park Challenge
Race will serve as USA Men's 8K Championship; New York Road Runners announces inaugural Women's Invitational; $70,000 prize purse

NEW YORK - (February 4, 2008) - American mile record-holder Alan Webb will make a rare appearance on the roads, opening his Olympic-year campaign at the Central Park Challenge on Saturday, March 15, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg at the New York Track Writers weekly luncheon on Monday. The race will serve as the USA Men's 8K Championship.

Webb, a 2004 Olympian and U.S. World Championships team member in 2005 and 2007, is the first professional athlete named to a men's field that will feature a host of America's best distance runners from the mile to the marathon, and will serve as an early preview of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field this summer.

New for this year, New York Road Runners will add a Women's Invitational race, which will feature an exclusive field of top U.S. and international stars. Both races will be contested over the 8K (4.97-mile) distance on a fan-friendly criterium-style course. The event will have a total prize-money purse of $70,000.

"The heat is turning up as we head toward Beijing, and this race will be an excellent early barometer for all the athletes and fans," Wittenberg said. "What a thrill to have America's stars return to Central Park for what promises to be an intriguing race."

Webb, 25, capped a stellar 2007 track season with a road victory in the Continental Airlines® Fifth Avenue Mile in September, holding off the defending champion, Kevin Sullivan of Canada, in the closing meters to claim his first victory on the streets of New York City. (He was runner-up at the 2005 Fifth Avenue Mile.) Webb has been most successful on the track, particularly in July 2007, when he ran 3:46.91 in Brasschaat, Belgium, to better Steve Scott's 25-year-old U.S. mile record. A 2004 Olympian at 1500 meters, Webb will be a favorite in that event at the Olympic Trials in June.

"I am really excited about running the USA 8K champs," Webb said. "It will be great to start my season off by running in New York City."

The 8K race course will consist of three laps of Central Park's lower loop, starting and finishing on West Drive near Tavern on the Green. Like the men's Olympic Trials marathon in Central Park last November, the multi-loop course will allow fans to see the runners four times from ideal vantage points along the sides of the road. The NYRR 8000 people's race will be held prior to both professional races.

A $10,000 bonus will be awarded to any winner who breaks the existing U.S. 8K record of 22:04 for the men (Alberto Salazar, 1981) or 24:36 for the women (Deena Kastor, 2005). The athletes will be using this event to test their fitness in an Olympic year, and all signs point to a fast race. A mostly flat Central Park course, coupled with some of America's top talent, could put the U.S. records in jeopardy. As an added incentive, $1000 bonuses will be offered to each of the first two athletes to complete the first and second laps, provided they go on to finish the race in the top 10.

Since New York Road Runners first hosted the USA 8K Championships in 2002, the race has consistently drawn some of the top American talent and has become one of the most popular stops on the national circuit. Previous winners include 2004 Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi (2003-04) and 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Kastor, who ran the then-second-fastest 8K in history to capture the 2005 title. Last year, a major snowstorm in the early-morning hours on Saturday necessitated a postponement until Sunday morning and a last-minute course change, and New York City resident Anthony Famiglietti surged away from runner-up and two-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman for the victory.

For more information, visit: NYRR.org

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Hall, Ritzenhein Headline New Elite Athlete Blog Series at TheFinalSprint.com

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - (February 8, 2008) - TheFinalSprint.com, the premier destination for track & field, marathon and road-running enthusiasts, this week expanded its impressive content lineup with the unveiling of the TFS Elite Athlete Blog Series. This new content series features in-depth, bi-weekly entries by a roster of world-class runners that includes U.S. Olympic-bound marathoners Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein.

Throughout the 2008 Olympic year, TheFinalSprint.com will offer one-of-a-kind access to the most frequent, reliable, and intimate elite athlete commentaries and insights of any online and / or print running publication. This unparalleled and direct communication with heroes of the sport will provide fans with a virtual back-stage-pass to the quest for Olympic glory.

"The Elite Athlete Blog Series presents elite runners and fans with the opportunity to interact more often and on a deeper level than ever before," said Adam Jacobs, Editor-in-Chief of TheFinalSprint.com and CEO of the TFS Media Network, the publication's parent company. "We are deeply committed to improving our sport and are proud that this new feature will further enable the running community to share in what promises to be one of the most exciting and inspiring times in the history of American running."

In addition to Hall and Ritzenhein, TheFinalSprint.com's dynamic team of elite athlete bloggers includes accomplished marathon veteran Josh Cox, 2007 Footlocker Cross Country champion Michael Fout, 2006 USA 5K road champion Sara Hall, 2008 USA Half-Marathon champion Kate O'Neill, Olympic middle-distance hopeful Jon Rankin and 2007 U.S. Indoor Track & Field champion Nick Symmonds.

Each member of this all-star line-up has committed to providing new entries twice a month, ensuring that fresh content from an elite runner will be available on a near-daily basis throughout the Olympic year. Fans can access the new and exciting TFS Elite Athlete Blog Series, as well as, the most listened-to running podcast in North America and the most compelling coverage in the sport of running by visiting: www.TheFinalSprint.com

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Marine Corps Marathon Launches First Race in New Event Series
Butler Relay registration is open at www.MarineMarathon.com

QUANTICO, Va. - (February 7, 2008) - The first event in the new MCM Event Series, the Butler Relay, is now open to the general public at www.MarineMarathon.com. The Butler Relay, a 10K two-person team race, will be held on Saturday, March 29, beginning at 8:00am, aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico, Virginia.

"The MCM Event Series is an exciting opportunity for runners to participate in a variety of athletic competitions that are conducive to varying skill levels," says Rick Nealis, Race Director. "Runners and the Quantico community will surely enjoy our new racing events and all of the family entertainment we have to offer."

The Butler Relay is a two-person team event that starts and finishes at Quantico's newly renovated Butler Stadium, featuring a state-of-the-art track. The race takes runners on a scenic tour of Marine Corps Base Quantico, including an off-road section of the USATF-certified course. Open to runners age 10 and up, the race field for the Butler Relay is limited to 1,000 runners. Runners may sign up individually or as teams. A $36 registration fee includes a shirt, chip rental, event coin sponsored by Marine Federal Credit Union, hospitality and entertainment. Pre-registration is required.

Runners who participate in any race in the 2008 MCM Event Series are eligible for Event Series awards. Runners will receive points for their placement within the open male and female categories, and within the master's male and female categories. Age group awards will be presented for each event and will fall into the following increments: ages 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and older.

The new MCM Event Series invites runners and fitness enthusiasts to participate in a range of race experiences. The Event Series sponsored by Geico and Marine Federal Credit Union includes the Butler Relay, a 10K relay race; Run Amuck, a 5K course featuring a variety of obstacles; RunStock, a 5K race followed by a live concert; and the Turkey Trot, a traditional 10K race complete with a turkey for the winner. For more on this, and additional details regarding the Butler Relay, visit www.MarineMarathon.com and click on Event Series.

For more information, contact Tami Faram, community relations coordinator, at (703) 432-1840 or tami.faram@...

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DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER Partners with The End Result Company, Inc. and IPICO Sports
Race will eliminate manual tag pull system for finish line results

BOULDER, Colo. - (February 4, 2008) - DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER has announced the addition of The End Result Company, Inc. to the partnership previously formed with IPICO Sports.

For the first time in 2007, the BolderBOULDER used the IPICO Sports tag timing system to provide accurate finish times and mile splits for its 47,646 finishers. The race drew the largest timed field in the United States and the 5th largest in the world.

Race Director Cliff Bosley said, "We are pleased to announce the addition of The End Result as the official timer in 2008. This partnership combined with the IPICO Sports systems has resulted in our decision to eliminate the manual bib tag pull at the finish line starting at this year's 30th running of the DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER on Memorial Day."

Bosley added, "All participants will once again receive timing splits for each mile along with their finish time."

The End Result Company is a leading provider of timing and communication solutions to over 300 events annually in the United States which have included the Boston and Chicago Marathons. They accurately time over 500,000 total participants annually.

Kevin Jandt of The End Result stated, "We viewed the IPICO Sports system in operation at the 2007 BolderBOULDER and as a result made the decision to change all of our timing equipment over. Now we are very pleased to be able to directly play a role in this strategic partnership with IPICO Sports and DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER."

IPICO Sports CEO Mark Herbst said, "We are honored by DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER's strong confidence in our solutions and the fact that after 29 years of pulling bib tags for total race times, they are willing to now rely solely on our system. We believe this makes a very strong statement about us as a company and solutions provider. The addition of The End Result to the partnership will only further enhance the experience of all participants at this premier event."

About DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER
The DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER 10K, a Running USA Founding Member, is the largest timed running race in the USA and the 5th largest in the world. The race attracts over 50,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers, and draws professional racing teams from all over the world to compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purse in road racing. The race starts at the north end of 30th Street in Boulder, winds through neighborhoods with live music and entertainment at every corner, and finishes in the University of Colorado's Folsom Field. More than 150,000 spectators watch the festivities from inside the stadium and along the course. Every year, the race makes donations to local charities that provide volunteers to help stage the race. Over the years, beneficiaries have included the Boulder Community Food Share, Boulder Humane Society, Attention Homes, Younglife, Boulder Optimists, local schools and church youth groups. The 30th DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER will be held on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008. For more information, visit: BolderBOULDER.com

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@... | www.RunningUSA.org

Running USA Youth Program News and Award Finalists
By Linda Honikman, Running USA Youth Committee coordinator

Youth runs and fitness programs that are affiliated with some of the country's best road races are thriving. The top 75 are providing more than 300,000 youth with quality running based programs annually and the majority of the fitness programs are less than 5 years old. The Running USA Youth Committee and YouthRunner.com have announced the following finalists for this year's youth program awards.

Youth Programs of the Year Finalists

Atlanta Track Club, Kilometer Kids
In just its first year, Kilometer Kids has affected the lives of many young children who participated over a ten week period in the fall. The Kilometer Kids were encouraged to meet twice a week, track their progress along the way and complete a marathon with the culmination at the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. Impressively, one-third of the 238 young athletes from 6 Boys & Girls Club sites who completed their running program are now out of the overweight / obese category.

Crim Youth Program, Flint, MI
Having a full time Youth Program Coordinator since 1998 has enabled the Crim Festival to offer the Crim Kids Neighborhood Running Club, Teddy Bear Trot, Crim Kids Classic and the Crim School Mileage Club. During the 2007-08 school year to-date there are almost 50 Crim Mileage Club schools with approximately 8,000 participants. School assemblies featuring Running Bear and copies of Running Bear Book have been added to motivate students to begin running and walking. Over its 20 year history, the Crim School Mileage Club has involved over 100,000 elementary school students and in the near future programs will be offered at middle and high schools.

GO! St. Louis Read, Right & Run Marathon®
This successful youth program was launched in 2001 with 400 children and 30 participating schools. It continues today with more than 3,000 children and 105 schools enrolled. The program challenges participants to Read 26 books, Right the community with 26 good deeds, and Run 26.2 miles over a six-month period. All of that hard work culminates the day before the GO! St Louis Marathon when K-5 students run their final 1.2 miles and the middle schoolers run a 5K. An estimated 12,550 children have been impacted by the program since its inception. In 2007, the Ultramarathon of 50 mile goals and Saturday "training runs" were added for middle school students. To evaluate the program's effectiveness, eight schools are taking part in a before and after pilot evaluation.

Healthy Kids, Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM)'s Healthy Kids Fun Run was introduced in 2000. The event seeks to excite children about exercise and running and create a new generation of marathoners. The just-for-fun one-mile course is open to children ages 6-13 and held the day prior to the MCM at the Pentagon. In 2007, the run welcomed its largest race field of over 1,900 children. In recent years the MCM has introduced the Healthy School Award that is presented with a donation for PE to the school that has the most Fun Run participants, bulldog ambassadors of fitness, Miles and Molly, and an engaging children's book called "Miles, Run Miles!"

ING Run for Something Better, Miami
Started in 2006, the Fit Miami Foundation and ING created the ING Run for Something Better Miami, a unique and large scale program offered free to 88,000 students in all Miami Dade Middle Schools. The South Florida population has a high risk for obese or overweight children and the RFSB was designed to foster support for PE and active lifestyles. Over 15 weeks, children are encouraged to run 25 miles during PE, making running laps exciting, rather than a punishment. Participating students and coaches are transported to the ING Miami Marathon® to run the Final Mile, finishing along with 15,000 runners and thousands of spectators. ING also sponsors Run for Something Better programs in Atlanta, New York, San Francisco and Minneapolis.

Junior Great Race, Pittsburgh, PA
The Dollar Bank Junior Great Race, the offspring of Pittsburgh's Richard S. Caliguiri Great Race 10K and 5K, is a multi-faceted fitness event that offers three separate non-timed competitions for children and youth. It began with the concept of having Pittsburgh's avid parent runner population serve as the example in recruiting younger children into healthy play behaviors and enjoyable fitness based competitions. There is the one-mile run/walk for youth 5 & over, the Tot-Trot for toddlers through 4 years of age and the Diaper Dash. Participation has ranged from just over 500 to over 1,000 energetic kids during its colorful twelve-year history.

Just Run, Big Sur Marathon, Monterey, CA
The Big Sur International Marathon's highly acclaimed youth fitness program JUST RUN® is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds. During its second full year of implementation 4,300 children in 41 schools and youth organizations logged over 134,000 miles and performed 11,500 "Just Deeds." Seven to eight thousand are expected to be participating by the end of this school year and satellite programs have begun in several other states. With the help of Active.com, Just Run has enhanced its comprehensive website (JustRun.org) including more Spanish translation. A recent analysis of Just Run statistics in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District confirmed that Just Run works. For the five Just Run schools that had programs in the 2005-06 school year, students passing the aerobic capacity test went from an average of 58.7% in 2004-05 to 80.5% in 2006-07. All other fitness categories tested in these schools revealed improvement. The eight schools that did not have Just Run actually showed DECREASES in performance in most categories.

Many Milers, RunVermont
In 1998 RunVermont established the Many Milers fitness and nutrition program to promote healthy lifestyles from an early age. It is a statewide, comprehensive program that encourages youth ages 4 to 14 to earn activity and nutrition miles over a 7 month period. Participants track mileage in educational log books, receive incentives every 10 miles and are encouraged to enroll in multiple running events sponsored by RunVermont such as the Y.A.M. Scram the day before the KeyBank Vermont Marathon. Activity miles can be earned by running, walking, skiing or participating in an organized sport and bonus nutrition miles can be earned by eating well. The Many Milers Program was so well-received that schools and community groups in other states have joined.

Medtronic TC Kids Marathon, Minneapolis
The Medtronic TC Kids Marathon is a community-wide effort to inspire healthy lifestyles among children in grades K-6. Through an interactive website (MTCMarathon.org) and training program, kids in schools and families can start "Running One Mile at a Time" over the course of 4, 8 or 12-weeks. The final half or full mile of their program can then be run at one (or all) of three events throughout the year: in May (Cross-Country), October (Road) and February (Indoor Track). In the Spring of 2007, 7,500 pedometers were requested by more than 42 schools and 1,250 children ran in the inaugural May event. After training in the Summer, 1,700 children ran 1 or 1/2 miles during the October Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend and 250 students were able to move up to the TC 5K. In 2007, 312 teachers and 1,236 families used the web resources.

Youth Programs Contributor of the Year Finalists

Nike 5K Run for Kids Series
The mission of the Nike 5K Run for Kids is to help kids become healthier and to raise much needed funding for local school play and PE programs. Over the past 8 years to date, $1,039,275 has been donated to schools and 69,285 kids and their families and friends have participated. In 2007, events were held in Atlanta, Miami, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Honolulu and Las Vegas. Of the 24,385 runners, 53% were under 18. Highlights in 2007 included 100% of entry fees and $60,000 of shoes donated to schools, Kids Training Runs and school visits by NIKETOWN staff, PE Teacher Appreciation Nights and first class event execution.

Richmond Sport Backers
Since the spring of 2005, Fit for Life programs created by Richmond Sport Backers to help reduce childhood obesity have encouraged youth to run or walk 26 miles over the course of a 10-week period, culminating with either the Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run in the fall, or the First Market Mile Kids Run in the spring. Over 3,000 elementary and middle school youth participated in the free, incentive based Fit for Life Kids Challenge last spring and the program's culminating First Market Mile had a record 1,787 entries. In the fall, Sport Backers conducted the "Save Our Kids: The Obesity Crisis Conference" with representatives from seven states who shared information on what is working to get kids more healthy. More than 170 local teachers, administrators, health professionals and concerned citizens attended and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Saucony Run for Good
Since 2006, the Saucony Run for Good Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 to 35 organizations who are working to curb childhood obesity through youth fitness programs. Grant recipients announced in January include a new fitness program held in conjunction with the Flying Pig Marathon. The Nutrition Council of Cincinnati is partnering with the marathon to provide incentives to teach children healthy habits. The Flying Piglet Kids Marathon program encourages children to walk, run or wheelchair 26.2 miles over three months. Other recent recipients include the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Maricopa Council on Youth Sports and Physical Activity, the Outdoor Industry Foundation's Teens Outside program, the Achilles Track Club in New York, Boys and Girls Clubs in Ogden, Utah and elementary schools in Naperville, Illinois and Hartsville, Tennessee.

Winners will be announced at the ING Hall of Champions Awards Dinner and Auction at the annual Running USA Conference, Monday, February 11 at the Torrey Pines Hilton, La Jolla, California.

More conference information including registration, hotel reservations, schedule, speakers and list of attendees is available at: www.runningusa.org/conference/rusa2008.shtml

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RRCA Seeks Applications for the 2008 Roads Scholar Class

Since 1996, the Road Runners Club of America has awarded stipends through its Roads Scholar program to assist American post-collegiate road runners who show great promise to develop into national and world class road running athletes. The RRCA is now accepting applications for its 2008-09 Roads Scholar Class. The application can be found on-line at www.rrca.org/programs/roadsscholar. The deadline for applying is Monday, March 31, 2008.

The Roads Scholar program has distributed over $230,000 to emerging U.S. distance runners. Grants in the amount of $5000 per year have been awarded to four to six athletes annually since the program's inception. The driving factor in the creation of this program was the goal of improving the state of long distance running in the United States. A sign of the program's success was the result of the 2004 Summer Olympics where Deena Kastor, a 1997 Roads Scholar grant recipient, captured the bronze medal in the woman's Olympic Marathon. In 2007, the program's success was again proven when eleven Road Scholar grant recipients stepped up to the starting line at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City on November 3, 2007.

The program is directed towards runners who:
* Are U.S. citizens
* Have graduated from college (or whose class has graduated)
* Plan to race in top open road race events (not just track, cross country or U.S.-only events)
* Expect to earn less than $30,000 from all sources during the calendar year

The Road Runners Club of America is a non-profit organization of over 700 running clubs and 175,000 members across the United States. The RRCA chapters organize races, have training runs, provide safety guidelines, promote children's and masters fitness running programs and have social programs. For more information, visit: RRCA.org

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Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. Offers High School Seniors Scholarship Opportunity
$5000 scholarships available to high school cross-country and track runners

MINNEAPOLIS - Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is seeking applicants for its 2008 college scholarship program. Two $5000 scholarships are available for one male and one female college-bound high school senior living in the eleven county metro-area.

Recipients will be selected on academic achievements, community service, running accomplishments (in either cross-country or track) as well as a personal essay.

"According to recent studies, the average cost to attend a public college or university is more than $6000 per year," said Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. "We hope that this scholarship helps offset a significant portion of education expenses allowing student athletes more opportunity to continue to pursue their passion for the sport of running."

The funds can be used to attend a public or private institution. Applications are being accepted until Saturday, March 1, 2008. Winners will be notified in May.

2007 winners were Alison Liewen from Minnetonka High School (currently attending Harvard University) and Kyle Robert Peterson from Watertown-Mayer High School (currently attending University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse).

For more information, and an application, visit: MTCMarathon.org/Partners/Scholarships.cfm

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@... | www.RunningUSA.org

Running USA Announces Its 2008 Board of Directors
Eight elected to two-year terms

Running USA recently held elections for eight Board of Directors seats and its members selected the following distance running industry leaders for the newly constituted 17 member board which is listed below with affiliation.

Elected for two-year terms (8):
Dave Alberga (San Diego, CA), The Active Network
Steve Baskin (Atlanta, GA), ING
John Bingham (Columbus, OH), John Bingham Racing
David Deigan (San Francisco, CA), AFMInc.
John Elliott (New York, NY), MarathonGuide.com
Basil Honikman (Ventura, CA), Honikman Consulting
Lorene Oates (Boise, ID), St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration
Allan Steinfeld (New York, NY), ING New York City Marathon

Continuing Board Members (terms expire 02/2009):
Virginia Brophy Achman (Minneapolis, MN), Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Mike Burns (Ann Arbor, MI), ChampionChip USA
Fred Finke (Longwood, FL), USATF LDR Division Chair*
Andrew Hersam (New York, NY), Runner's World
Leslie Jordan (Portland, OR), Leslie Jordan, Inc.
Doug Kaplan (Chicago, IL), Gen-A Media & Marketing
Creigh Kelley (Englewood, CO), BKB Ltd.
Bill Roe (Bellingham, WA), USATF President*
Tracey Russell (Atlanta, GA), Atlanta Track Club
*USATF representatives are not elected.

The officers of Running USA are: president, Allan Steinfeld; vice presidents, Virginia Brophy Achman and Doug Kaplan; secretary, Tracey Russell and treasurer, Bruce Franke, MarathonFoto.

The new board will hold its first meeting on Sunday, February 10 at 1:00pm at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in conjunction with the Running USA 2008 Conference powered by The Active Network and Gen-A Media & Marketing. The annual signature event for the road racing and distance running industry returns to the San Diego area, February 10-12, 2008.

More Running USA 2008 Conference information including registration, hotel reservations, schedule, speakers and list of attendees is available at: www.runningusa.org/conference/rusa2008.shtml

About Running USA
Running USA, founded in 1999, is a tax-exempt, non-profit association devoted to improving the status of road racing and long distance running in the United States through education, research, communications, collective marketing, promotions, services to runners and events. Running USA, through its conference and other communication channels, provides the community "meeting place" for major road race, media and athletic industry personnel.

Its event members represent over 500 U.S. races including many of the leading ones with over 2 million participants and millions of spectators and over $3 million in prize money. For more information on Running USA, its objectives, members and annual conference, visit www.RunningUSA.org or call Ryan Lamppa at (805) 696-6232.

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Sell Shatters ING Miami Half Marathon Course Record, Women's Champion Fernandez Does Too
Garcia, Liljeblad win marathon; largest field in race history; 3,000 children complete their marathon
From Danny Elfenbein

MIAMI - (January 27, 2008) - Cool morning breezes and thousands of spectators ushered in the momentous start of the 2008 ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon® at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami on Sunday morning. The field, which included 2008 U.S. Olympic marathoner Brian Sell and teammates from the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, was the largest in the history of the race with 10,452 athletes making it to the start. After the half-marathoners finished their race, thousands of children lined up for the Final Mile of their marathon, running the last leg of their 15-week marathon with Olympian Gigi Fernandez through the ING Run for Something Better youth program.

PR Racing Miami, organizers of the event, expected a fast half-marathon with 62 degrees start temperature and an overcast day. Sell, 29, from Rochester Hills, Mich., qualified for the Olympic team in November and used the Miami race to begin training for the Summer Games in Beijing.

The finish line area, adorned in the race's signature orange, also featured red, white and blue as Sell crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 46 seconds. As expected, the three-time USA road champion shattered the course record of 1:07:11 set by 2007 champion Jared Nyamboki. Nyamboki, who led the 2007 Boston Marathon for 17 miles, pulled out with an injury early. Five other men in the field also beat the previous record. Joseph Sitienei, a Kenyan running out of Atlanta, took second place in 1:05:14, edging out Hansons-Brooks runner Mike Morgan, also of Rochester Hills, by two seconds. Other runners who beat the record included Hansons teammates Todd Snyder, Mike Reneau and Luke Humphrey.

The women's half-marathon included several Open runners with fast times. The winner, Yolanda Fernandez of Colombia, beat a four-year-old course record by more than one minute with a time of 1:16:01. Kathleen Jobes of Bethlehem, Pa., who entered as one of the few elites, took second in 1:18:05. Behind her, another Open runner, Carmen Martinez of Puerto Rico, ran one of the five fastest times in race history, finishing in 1:18:40.

For the marathon, another Olympian took home the title in what was a competitive race until the last mile and a half. Jose Garcia, who will represent Guatemala in Beijing, beat out the field with a strong push at the end of his race. Garcia, who finished in 2:17:43, was followed by a late entrant, Samuel Kiprotich, who pushed him to the end. Kiprotich, from Kenya but living in Mexico, finished in 2:18:14 and was almost caught at the end by Ethiopian Demesse Tefera who ran a 2:18:29.

Kelly Liljeblad, a top U.S. runner and triathlete from Boulder Colo., trailed runner-up Nadezhda Tuptova of Russia through mile 16 until Liljeblad took the lead and ran unchallenged to the tape in 2:47:13, beating Tuptova who finished in 2:48:09. Carol Rowe of Richmond, Utah took third (2:50:08).

After the winners came through, the crowd gathered for what was the most exciting and emotional portion of the race. With thousands of runners and spectators at the finish line, more than 3,000 children ran on the course to take part in the ING Run for Something Better Final Mile, one of the largest children's races in the United States. The 15-week program is implemented in Miami-Dade County Schools, promoting physical fitness and goal-setting to children to help prevent childhood obesity and foster confidence.

Gigi Fernandez and 1972 Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter as well as local figures joined the children as they completed their marathon on race morning. As the children crossed the finish, cheering fans and the top runners from the day's events, including Sell and his teammates, welcomed them. The program, which is funded by ING and the Fit Miami Foundation, has garnered national acclaim and served as a model for similar programs in major school districts nationwide, including Atlanta and San Francisco.

6th ING Miami Marathon
Miami, FL, Sunday, January 27, 2008

MEN
1) Jose Garcia (GUA), 2:17:43, $5000
2) Samuel Kiprotich (KEN), 2:18:14, $2500
3) Demesse Tefera (ETH), 2:18:29, $1000
4) Alfredo Reyes (GUA), 2:19:23
5) Tamrat Ayalew (ETH), 2:20:10

WOMEN
1) Kelly Liljeblad (USA / CO), 2:47:13, $5000
2) Nadezhda Tuptova (RUS), 2:48:09, $2500
3) Carol Rowe (USA / UT), 2:50:08, $1000
4) Ruby Riativa Salina (COL), 2:53:17
5) Julia Stamps Mallon (USA / NY), 2:55:06

Half-Marathon
MEN
1) Brian Sell (USA / MI), 1:03:46*, $1000
2) Joseph Sitienei (KEN), 1:05:14
3) Mike Morgan (USA / MI), 1:05:16
*course record (previous record, 1:07:11, Jared Nyamboki (KEN), 2007)

WOMEN
1) Yolanda Fernandez (COL), 1:16:01*, $1000
2) Kathleen Jobes (USA / PA), 1:18:05
3) Carmen Martinez (PUR), 1:18:40
*course record (previous record, 1:17:44, Deirdre Brill (USA / PA), 2004)

Complete results at: INGMiamiMarathon.com

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Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Enters 112th Boston Marathon®
Former Arkansas Governor will be running his fifth marathon

BOSTON - (January 24, 2008) - Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has officially entered the 2008 Boston Marathon, the Boston Athletic Association has announced. As has been reported in the media, Huckabee has been training while on the campaign trail. He will join Team Hoyt, a local charity which strives to integrate the physically challenged into everyday life. Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father and son team that has completed 25 Boston Marathons, with Dick running and Rick in his wheelchair.

In 2003, while serving as Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. As a result, he began running and gradually lost 110 pounds. In 2005, he completed the Little Rock Marathon in 4 hours, 38 minutes, 32 seconds, a performance which earned him the honor of USATF Athlete of the Week. Since then Huckabee has completed three additional marathons: the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon, the 2006 Little Rock Marathon and the 2006 ING New York City Marathon. His personal best, coming in 2006 at Little Rock, is now 4:26:05.

Following stints as Lieutenant Governor (1993-96) and Governor (1996-2007) of Arkansas, Huckabee entered the 2008 presidential race. Huckabee's campaign scored a victory in the Iowa Caucuses and placed third in both the New Hampshire and Michigan primaries, making the former governor is a strong contender for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination. He was the runner-up in the South Carolina Republican presidential primary on Saturday, January 19.

The 112th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 21, 2008, Patriots' Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The race follows a 26.2-mile point-to-point route from the town of Hopkinton to Boston's Back Bay. The race begins at 10:00am. For more information, go to: BostonMarathon.org

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Defending Champions Dold, Walsham Return for NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up
More than 250 participants to climb 86 flights in iconic New York City building

NEW YORK - (January 24, 2008) - Defending champions Thomas Dold of Germany and Suzy Walsham of Australia will attempt to return to the top of New York at the 31st annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up on Tuesday, February 5, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.

An expected field of 250 competitors from 23 states and 17 countries will race up 86 flights - 1,576 steps - to the outdoor observation deck of the world's most famous office building, and the tallest building in New York City. In 2007, Dold crossed the finish line in 10 minutes, 25 seconds, and Walsham finished in 13:12.

"This race is our version of the X Games, combining speed, endurance, strength, and fearlessness to race up one of the world's most famous landmarks," Wittenberg said. "That our defending champions will once again lead the charge proves the pain is worth the gain."

Dold, 23, will be seeking his third consecutive victory. Prior to winning in 2006 and 2007, he finished in second place by less than a second to Rudolf Reitberger of Austria in the 2005 race. Dold, who is studying economics at the University of Stuttgart, started in the sport in 2003 as a member of the German national mountain running team. He is as close to a professional tower climber as the sport has to offer, with a website, several sponsors, and a list of victories around the globe.

"This year, I am even more motivated than in previous years, because by achieving the third victory at the Empire State Building Run-Up, I can become the most successful European tower runner ever," said Dold, who trains regularly in the main tower of Helaba, a German bank in Frankfurt that is 200 meters high (1,090 steps). "During the race, it's very hard to push yourself constantly, so it is necessary to be very concentrated, especially the last part when your legs hurt awfully. The only thing that keeps you running is the thought of the finish line at the 86th floor and a fantastic view over New York!"

Walsham, 34, previously competed on the international scene as a middle distance track runner, finishing sixth in the mile and reaching the semifinals of the 800 meters at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Now semi-retired from the track, Walsham first became involved in stair races in 2006 when she learned that the Singapore Swissotel Vertical Marathon was awarding a trip to New York to compete in the NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up as first prize. She won that race and then repeated as champion in 2007. She recently finished second in the Taipei 101 Run-Up in November 2007. A native of Sydney, Walsham moved to Singapore in 2006 to work as an Australian chartered accountant in the finance group of global internet security company Symantec.

"I never expected to actually win the Empire State Building Run-Up in 2007," said Walsham, who is training for this race by climbing stairs in her 12-story condo in Singapore. "I really enjoyed the physical and mental challenge of the event and racing in such a famous building. It's a tough race, but so rewarding to get to the top. I am sure there will be more pressure and expectation on me this year, but I am more familiar with the event, and I hope to run faster."

Cindy Moll-Harris, 39, of Indianapolis, the only woman to have won the race four times (1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003), will be aiming for a fifth victory this year. She was the runner-up to Walsham in 2007. Additionally, 69-year-old Nina Kuscsik of New York City, a three-time winner in this race (1979-81) and a two-time New York City Marathon champion (1972-73), will compete.

Paul Crake of Australia set the course record of 9:33 in 2003, which was three minutes faster than Gary Muhrcke's winning time in the inaugural 1978 race (12:33). Tragically, Crake was paralyzed in a cycling accident in 2006.

For more information, visit: NYRR.org

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@... | www.RunningUSA.org

Cheruiyot, Grigoryeva to Defend Boston Marathon Titles at 112th Edition
Top international field expected at flagship road race on April 21

BOSTON - (January 23, 2008) - John Hancock Financial, in its 23rd year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, has announced the return of three-time champion Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya and 2007 champion Lidiya Grigoryeva of Russia for the 112th running of the race on Monday, April 21.

Cheruiyot, the race winner in 2003, 2006 and 2007, will seek to become the first Kenyan to claim four Boston Marathon crowns. Winning this year also would put him in the company of only three men who have won four or more times, Canadian Gerard Cote and Americans Bill Rodgers and Clarence DeMar.

"I'd like to thank John Hancock for inviting me back to defend my title," said Cheruiyot. "I have had much success on the Boston course because the more difficult and competitive a race is, the more I commit myself to do my best."

Cheruiyot, who set a course record of 2 hours, 7 minutes, 14 seconds in 2006, then went on to win the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in an unprecedented same-year double. He returned to a stormy Boston in 2007 to claim his third victory and secure the inaugural World Marathon Majors Series title and $500,000 prize. The series, now entering its second two-year cycle, brings together the best athletes in the world to compete at Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

Boston's 2007 women's champion, Lidiya Grigoryeva, found the tape first last year holding off the top three ranked women in the world: Deena Kastor, Jelena Prokopcuka and 2006 Boston champion Rita Jeptoo.

"Winning Boston was a career highlight for me," said Grigoryeva. "I am eager to compete again with the best runners in the world and thank John Hancock for the opportunity."

Grigoryeva is a two-time Olympian at 10,000 meters and, in addition to her Boston success, she earned a course record win at the 2006 Los Angeles Marathon and was the 2005 Paris Marathon champion.

"We are very excited to have both of our defending champions returning for the 112th Boston Marathon," said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. "Robert and Lidiya showed their strength by winning in difficult conditions in 2007. We look forward to seeing how they follow up on those victories in 2008."

"John Hancock Financial is closing in on a quarter century of bringing the world's top runners like Robert and Lidiya back to the race year after year, ensuring that the Boston Marathon remains one of the world's premier road races," said John D. DesPrez III, President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock Financial. "We are very pleased to celebrate our 23rd year of fulfilling our promise to the city of Boston and surrounding communities to support this great race. Not only is it an annual sign that spring has arrived here, but the Boston Marathon also provides a tremendous positive annual economic effect on the region, generating a direct and indirect economic impact of an estimated $95 million. John Hancock is proud of its long history of supporting the Boston Marathon."

For more race information, go to: BostonMarathon.org

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The Original Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Begins a New Decade in San Diego
Runners and walkers are encouraged to begin training and reserve a spot at the start line today

SAN DIEGO - (January 21, 2008) - On Sunday, June 1, 2008, the original Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego begins a new decade as one of the world's premiere marathons. The event is known as a 26.2-mile block party with a live band at every mile along the course, hundreds of cheerleaders, themed water stations and a post-race concert, which featured SEAL in 2007.

Now is the time to set training plans and begin preparing for the entertaining fitness experience. For 20,000 runners and walkers, race weekend offers a unique opportunity to take an active vacation, accomplish personal goals, team up with friends and family, raise funds for charity or race like the King.

Jumpstart New Year's Goals
The most important step towards a marathon goal is to commit. The New Year is here, and training for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is one way to conquer 2008 fitness goals. Step one is to register. Runners and walkers can take advantage of the lowest entry price by registering online at RnRmarathon.com before January 31st.

As extra incentive, every participant who registers online on Saturday, January 26 will receive a Runner's World Training Log to help support any training schedule. Runners can log their progress in this convenient journal and keep record of the distance of every run, the routes followed and the pace maintained during a training run.

Rookie Marathoners Welcome
Running or walking a marathon is a great lifetime achievement and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon's miles of scenery, entertainment and extensive on-course support has made it a favorite race for runners of all abilities, including first timers who make up nearly 50% of the field.

Girls Weekend Getaway
The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is inviting women to register for a Girls Weekend Getaway. Any woman who registers during the month of January will be entered into a drawing to win an ultimate vacation with three of her closest friends. The package includes a three-night stay at a luxurious San Diego hotel, a relaxing spa package, dinner at a gourmet restaurant, matching running apparel and much more.

To enter the contest, use the code UGOGIRL during online registration at: RnRmarathon.com

Elvis Has Left the Start Line
Join Bart Yasso, Runner's World Magazine's Chief Running Officer, as he trains for his first marathon with the Running Elvi. A 10-year tradition at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, the Running Elvi will try to better their world record attempt from 2007. Men and women of the 2008 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon are encouraged to get into the act and run like the King.

Visit RnRmarathon.com/features/runningelvi to submit your name to the list of Running Elvi.

Yasso will release a new book titled "My Life on the Run" in April.

Join Team In Training's 20th Anniversary Celebration
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2008. TNT offers runners and walkers professional training, support, travel and accommodation to the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in exchange for fundraising efforts, which will help make a difference in the lives of more than 785,000 Americans living with blood cancers.

Visit RnRmarathon.com/training to learn how to join TNT.

Over the past 10 years, TNT has raised $122.1 million (net) at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in the fight against blood cancers: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. This year, TNT runners and walkers will raise more than $12 million (net) at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

Marathon Military Overseas
As the start gun goes off at the 11th Rock 'n' Roll Marathon hundreds of military men and women will compete in their own version of the 26.2-mile race on ships and military bases around the world.

In support of the overseas races, Elite Racing will send training packages to all military participants including specialized race numbers, race T-shirts, finisher's medals and emails from fellow Rock 'n' Roll Marathon participants with words of encouragement and support.

For more stories from the Military Rock Stars, go to: RnRmarathon.com

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First-Ever Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year: Ashley Brasovan
Florida runner named nation's top high school performer

WEST PALM BEACH - (January 24, 2008) - In its third decade of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in partnership with RISE Magazine, has announced Ashley Brasovan of Wellington High School (Wellington, Fla.) as its 2007-08 Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. Brasovan becomes the first student-athlete to win the award. The Gatorade Company announced the addition of girls cross country to the Player of the Year program this past October.

The award, which recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the racecourse, distinguishes Brasovan as the nation's best high school girls cross country runner. A national advisory board comprised of sportswriters and sport-specific experts from around the country helped select Brasovan from more than 180,000 high school girls cross country runners nationwide. Brasovan is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year Award, to be presented at a special ceremony the afternoon prior to The ESPY Awards in July.

Brasovan, a junior distance runner, won the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships national title with a time of 17:20, outracing defending national champion Kathy Kroeger of Tennessee and 2005 national champion Jordan Hasay of California for the victory. Brasovan finished sixth at the Foot Locker South Regional in 17:20 and also captured a third consecutive Class 4A individual state championship this past fall. Brasovan's triumphs in 2007 included a meet-record victory (16:43) at Tampa's Southern Stars Invitational, a course-record win (17:10.77) at the University of Florida Mountain Dew Classic and a course-record victory (17:06) at the Great American Cross Country Festival in the Girls' Nike Race of Champions.

Brasovan has maintained a 4.4 weighted GPA in the classroom. An annual participant in the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure, Brasovan serves as editor of the sports section for her school's yearbook and has donated her time to the Wellington Parks & Recreation youth football program. She has also volunteered on behalf of the Wellington Art Festival and waited tables as part of a charity effort to benefit the Wellington High literary magazine, Poetic Justice.

"She is probably the most determined runner that I've ever met," said Wellington Head Coach Kara Weber-Fleming. "She's very mentally tough and does whatever she has to do to be successful. She usually takes the lead; she never really has to come from behind. That was the only surprising thing about the (Foot Locker) Nationals."

Brasovan, just the ninth high school junior to win a national Gatorade award in the program's 22-year history, will begin her senior year of high school this fall and remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.

"Without question, Ashley is deserving of recognition as the nation's best high school girls cross country runner based on her performance and the tremendous ability she's demonstrated," said Gatorade Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing Jeff Urban. "But she is also a shining example to peers and aspiring young runners of what a leader and a student-athlete should be. She represents everything we hope for in a Gatorade Player of the Year recipient."

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by RISE Magazine, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.

For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information and lists of past winners and future announcement dates, visit: gatorade.com/playeroftheyear

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"T-Bone" to Appear at 2008 Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Tim "T-Bone" Arem, America's Health & Fitness Ambassador, will be leading the warm-up and performing his interactive stage show T-Bone's Healthy Adventure www.tbonerun.com for the 1,500 runners and their families prior to the Jr. Gasparilla children's races at the University of Tampa, Pepin Stadium on Saturday, February 2, 2008.

For more information, visit the race website at: www.tampabayrun.com/Race_Info/GDCA_Jr__Classic_Kids_Event.htm

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@... | www.RunningUSA.org