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In this edition:
Wesley Korir Headlines Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2012
Houston Marathon Committee Expands Run for a Reason Charity Program
Hartford Marathon Foundation Recognizes Inspirational Athletes
Benoit Samuelson Headline Speaker at Mankato Marathon
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Capital City Half Marathon, Columbus, OH, May 5
Wisconsin Marathon, Kenosha, WI, May 5
Wild West Adventure Race, Dallas, TX, May 5
Greenland Trail Races, Larkspur, CO, May 5
Flying Pig Marathon Weekend, Cincinnati, OH, May 5-6
North Coast Endurance Run, Cleveland, OH, May 5-6
USA 24 Hour Championships
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New Jersey Marathon, Long Branch, NJ, May 6
CareFirst Frederick Running Festival, Frederick, MD, May 6
Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Philadelphia, PA, May 6
Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, PA, May 6
Heels & Hills Half-Marathon, Irving, TX, May 6
Divas Half-Marathon at San Francisco Bay, CA, May 6
National Run a Mile Days, nationwide, May 6-12
ALS 5K / 10K, Miami, FL, May 12
I-Drive 5K, Orlando, FL, May 12
35th Fifth Third River Bank 25K, Grand Rapids, MI, May 12
USA Men's & Women's Championships
Inaugural Thelma & Louise Half Marathon, Moab, UT, May 12
Santa Barbara Wine Country Half, Santa Ynez, CA, May 12
Wesley Korir Headlines Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2012
2012 Boston Marathon champion to run fifth consecutive Chicago 26.2 mile fall classic
CHICAGO - (May 2, 2012) - The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has announced that Wesley Korir, the newly crowned Boston Marathon champion, will return to run Chicago's fall classic for the fifth consecutive year. Korir, 29, is the first professional athlete announced for the 35th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 7.
Korir, a native of Kenya who attended the University of Louisville in Kentucky and still lives and trains there, was runner-up at the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in a personal record 2 hours, 6 minutes, 15 seconds. Even with his world class performance in Chicago, Korir was a relative underdog this spring when he executed a perfect race plan in challenging conditions at the Boston Marathon, rallying from nearly a minute behind the race leader with five miles to go to win his first Major marathon in stunning fashion.
With two Honda LA Marathon victories to his credit, Korir has a storied history at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. After paying his own way into the open field at the 2008 event, he started the race five minutes behind the elite athletes, yet still managed to record the fourth-fastest time of the day, catching and passing all but a few members of the international field before posting a finish time of 2:13:53. The following year, Korir was invited back to Chicago as an official member of the professional field and placed sixth overall in 2:10:38. In 2010, he improved once again to fourth place overall in 2:08:44 before his break-through performance in 2011 that served as the springboard to his defining win in Boston. After the biggest victory of his career, Korir enters the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with his eye on the top level of the podium.
"We're thrilled to welcome Wesley back to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the fifth year in a row, no doubt with a little more fanfare this year after his well-earned victory at the Boston Marathon," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski.
"Wesley has proven that he's one of the best marathon runners in the world, but I am far more impressed by his humble nature and perseverance. He literally started his marathon career with the masses and now he's at the pinnacle of the sport. He's a true success story."
"The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is where I started my professional career and I am honored to return to this year's race, especially after winning the Boston Marathon," said Korir. "I love the city of Chicago. It's close to Louisville and I always have a large group of friends who drive up to cheer for me, which makes me feel at home along with the support from the local fans and volunteers. I come to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this year full of confidence that no matter who is in the field, they will have to beat me to win it."
About the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Celebrating its 35th year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 participants, including a world class runner and wheelchair field, and an estimated 1.7 million spectators. As a result of its national and international draw, each year, the iconic race assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating $170 million in economic impact to its host city according to a report by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (R.E.A.L.). The 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 7:30am on Sunday, October 7. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6.
Visit www.chicagomarathon.com for more information.
Houston Marathon Committee Expands Run for a Reason Charity Program
2012-13 campaign welcomes a record 61 nonprofits; past year raises record $2.3 million benefiting 57 nonprofit organizations
HOUSTON - (May 1, 2012) - The Houston Marathon Committee has announced the expansion of the 2012-13 Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason charity program, welcoming a record 61 participating nonprofits. The new charity lineup offers a variety of important causes ranging from medical research and support, and community outreach to learning differences and animal protection.
Linking 30,000 runners with 61 charities, the Run for a Reason program provides an avenue for race participants, individuals and organizations to collect donations on behalf of an official charity of their choice. In addition, it provides a platform for charities to raise awareness and educate others about their cause.
This past year, the Run for a Reason program raised a record $2.3 million benefiting 57 nonprofit organizations, generating nearly $15 million in charitable donations in the program's 18-year history.
"We could not be more thrilled with the growth of our Run for a Reason charity program and the passionate runners and fundraisers who continue to make it all possible," said Wade Morehead, executive director of the Houston Marathon Committee. "By expanding our charity program, we are able to offer more support for the community and provide an even greater variety of philanthropies for our runners to choose from."
The Run for a Reason program also offers ways to enter the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon races. Starting June 6, a limited number of guaranteed charity entries will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
"HERO" charity entries enable runners to make an upfront, direct tax-deductible donation of at least $350 to an official Run for a Reason charity of their choice, plus the cost of registration, to secure a guaranteed race entry.
"Fundraising for registration" charity entries give runners an opportunity to fundraise for an official Run for a Reason charity of their choice and receive a guaranteed race entry. Participating charities set their own fundraising minimums and deadlines. A list of participating nonprofits will be posted on the event website (RunforaReasonHouston.org) on June 6, 2012. Runners should contact these organizations directly for more information.
The 2013 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon are scheduled for Sunday, January 13.
To learn more about the Run for a Reason charity program and for a complete list of official 2012-13 charities, visit: RunforaReasonHouston.org
About the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc.
Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC), a Running USA Founding Member, annually organizes the nation's premier winter marathon, half-marathon and 5K. In 2012, more than 20,000 runners participated in three race weekend events organized by 7,500 volunteers, creating Houston's largest single-day sporting event. HMC has hosted numerous world-renowned road races, including the 2012 U.S. Men's and Women's Olympic Trials - Marathon as well as the USA Men's and Women's Half Marathon Championships since 2005 and 2007 respectively, and the 1992 U.S. Women's Olympic Trials Marathon.
For more information, go to HoustonMarathon.com or call (713) 957-3453.
Hartford Marathon Foundation Recognizes Inspirational Athletes
Nominations accepted for 2012 Elite Inspiration Team at ING Hartford Marathon
GLASTONBURY, Conn. - (April 24, 2012) - The Hartford Marathon Foundation is accepting nominations for its Elite Inspiration Team. Last year, the Team was created to recognize the many amazing personal journeys and experiences that compel runners to take part in ING Hartford Marathon events. The Foundation is accepting nominations for truly inspiring personalities and compelling personal stories from runners participating in the 5K, Half Marathon or Full Marathon. Winners will be provided with Elite level benefits including complimentary hotel stay, Pasta Supper and marathon apparel. The ING Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K will run on Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Bushnell Park, Hartford.
Nominations will be accepted based on personal achievements, positive leadership roles within the community and a dedication to living healthy lifestyles. Runners can nominate themselves or others who they feel have a compelling inspirational story to share surrounding their participation in the 2012 ING Hartford Marathon. Profiles can be submitted from any age or skill level but should highlight the story behind the runner.
Nomination forms are available on the "events" page for the ING Hartford Marathon at www.INGHartfordMarathon.com. Nominations are accepted April 23- through June 30. Winners will be notified in July.
Last year, the inaugural Elite Inspiration Team comprised of 11 members representing various backgrounds, locations and experiences. The team members' personal journeys and accomplishments were nothing short of inspiring, from dramatic weight loss accomplishments and overcoming health challenges to training aboard the USS Hartford out at sea.
"We had an incredible group in our Elite Inspiration Team last year and we're privileged to welcome new nominees and learn more about the amazing individuals that take part in ING Hartford Marathon activities," said Beth Shluger, Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation.
The ING Hartford Marathon has received national recognition for its commitment to providing all runners with exceptional services, including award-winning post-race food and extensive efforts to off-set the environmental impact of the event. A repeat recipient of recognition by the Road Runners Club of America, the Marathon has earned State Championship and Regional Championship status.
About the Hartford Marathon Foundation
Founded in 1994, the Hartford Marathon Foundation was created to bring large-scale athletic events to the city of Hartford and state of Connecticut. Now in its 19th year, the Foundation organizes over 50 runs, triathlons and training programs for adults and children. Annually, over 43,000 athletes and 60,000 spectators participate in Foundation events. HMF has been awarded numerous accolades for their eco-friendly initiatives and commitment to organizing programs that promote health, fitness and enjoyment for all participants. For more information, visit: HartfordMarathon.com
Benoit Samuelson Headline Speaker at Mankato Marathon
Her presentation is called "There is no Finish Line."
MANKATO, Minn. - (April 30, 2012) - The Mankato Marathon and Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic has announced that running icon Joan Benoit Samuelson will be the headline speaker for its 2012 event at 7:00pm on Saturday, October 20. Her presentation is called "There is no Finish Line."
With the whole world watching in 1984, Samuelson, then Benoit, was the first gold medalist for the inaugural women's Olympic Marathon at the Los Angeles Games. Winning that gold medal wasn't Benoit Samuelson's only major accomplishment. In 1979, she won the Boston Marathon, and in 1983, she ran the Boston Marathon again, setting a world best. Benoit Samuelson, who was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions this past January, has been running competitively for more than 35 years.
Benoit Samuelson has remained an important figure in the running world and in women's athletics. She serves as an inspiration for runners and athletes of all ages around the world. In 1998, Benoit Samuelson founded the TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race to benefit children's charities in Maine. This premiere event attracts elite runners from around the globe.
The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic Speaker Series will be held from 2:30 to 8:00pm on Saturday, October 20 at the Myers Field House at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
For more information on the 3rd Mankato Marathon, go to: www.mankatomarathon.com and for more information about Joan Benoit Samuelson, visit: www.joanbenoitsamuelson.com or http://vimeo.com/15825416
Contact Information
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232
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