Monday, April 25, 2011

Running USA wire 33, April 25, 2011

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In this edition:
Running USA Annual Half-Marathon Report
NYRR Partners with MapMyFITNESS, Crowdrise to Support the People of Japan
Hartford Marathon Foundation Creates New Elite Inspiration Program
2011 National Run a Mile Days Set for May 1-8

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join Running USA and have your organization's event featured here.
The American Odyssey Relay, Gettysburg, PA, April 29
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Louisville, KY, Apr 30
Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon, Nashville, TN, Apr 30
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Apr 30
Get in Gear 10K, Minneapolis, MN, April 30
JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K, Pacific Grove, CA, April 30
Eugene 5K & Kids Run, Eugene, OR, April 30
National Run a Mile Days, nationwide, May 1-8
Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Philadelphia, PA, May 1
Flying Pig Marathon, Cincinnati, OH, May 1
5th Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR, May 1
Big Sur International Marathon, Carmel, CA, May 1
I-Drive 5K, Orlando, FL, May 7
Wisconsin Marathon, Kenosha, WI, May 7
XTERRA Malibu Creek Xduro, Malibu, CA, May 7
Santa Barbara Wine Country Half, Santa Ynez, CA, May 7
5th Mother's Day 5K, St. Paul, MN, May 8
Kirkland Half Marathon & 5K, Kirkland, WA, May 8

Running USA Annual Half-Marathon Report

America's favorite road race distance shows another year of phenomenal growth as women and the Rock 'n' Roll Series lead the charge; record 25 U.S. half-marathons with 10,000 or more finishers; Bupa Great North Run world's largest



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (April 25, 2011) - If marathon mania exists, then, the half-marathon has reached hyper-mania. Last year, according to Running USA, U.S. half-marathons continued their upward trajectory as the "leader of the pack" repeated its phenomenal 24% growth rate, from approximately 1.1 million finishers in 2009 to nearly 1.4 million finishers in 2010, a record annual increase for the distance. In the same 733 U.S. half-marathons for 2009 vs. 2010, there was a 17.24% finisher increase (975,409 vs. 1,143,551).



Since 2003, the half-marathon has been the fastest growing road race distance in the United States, and for five consecutive years (2006-10), the number of 13.1 mile finishers in the U.S. has grown by 10% or more each year. Moreover, since 2000, the number of half-marathon finishers in this country has nearly tripled (482,000 to 1,385,000). In short, no other race distance comes close to this type of growth in recent years.



For the rest of the Running USA Annual Half-Marathon Report, CLICK HERE.



NYRR Partners with MapMyFITNESS, Crowdrise to Support the People of Japan

New York Road Runners' fifth Japan Day Run for Hope event to raise funds for the American Red Cross Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief; Virtual Run to take place from May 1-22; Japan Day Run for Hope to take place in Central Park on Sunday, May 8; Japan Day festival in Central Park on May 22



NEW YORK - (April 20, 2011) - In response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, New York Road Runners' annual Japan Run has been declared the Japan Day Run for Hope, which will take place on Sunday, May 8 in Central Park, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.

"We keep the people of Japan in our thoughts as the cleanup efforts throughout their country continue," said Wittenberg. "We are pleased to be able to work with our many city partners, as well as the American Red Cross, Crowdrise and MapMyFITNESS, in order to help the best way we can-by using our feet."



While registration for the event in Central Park, sponsored by Japan Day @ Central Park, is now closed, there are additional ways to get involved. NYRR has partnered with MapMyFITNESS to create a virtual run on its MapMyRUN platform. Participants will pledge to do a 4-mile run or walk between May 1 and May 22, wherever they are. The American Red Cross Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief will receive 100 percent of the net proceeds. To sign up for the event, visit: www.mapmyrun.com/japanrun



"MapMyFITNESS is thrilled to partner again with NYRR and assist in the Japan earthquake-relief effort," said Rob J. Thurston, Chief Executive of MapMyFITNESS. "At MapMyFITNESS, we strive to provide runners the tools they need to achieve their goals, and we believe that joining with NYRR to give runners this unique opportunity to run for the benefit of such a worthy cause will motivate even more people to get out on the road."



In addition to the virtual run, current participants and anyone looking for a way to help can log on to Crowdrise (www.crowdrise.com/japanrun) to make a donation. Again, all net proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief. NYRR will match all donations up to $25,000 raised on Crowdrise.



"What could possibly be better than leveraging a race you're going to run to raise money for our brothers and sisters in Japan," said actor and Crowdrise co-founder Edward Norton. "No one does that better than New York Road Runners. We're excited to help all the runners make a huge impact."



The event in Central Park on Sunday, May 8 will feature some 5,000 runners, as well as professional athletes Reiko Tosa and Yoko Shibui of Japan. Japan Day @ Central Park, who has been a sponsor of the Japan Day event for five years, is pleased to have the opportunity to use this event to support their country; the group will be on-site on race day to accept donations near the finish line in Central Park.



For more information on the Japan Day Run for Hope event, go to: NYRR.org



Hartford Marathon Foundation Creates New Elite Inspiration Program

Nominations accepted for inspiring runners to receive Elite treatment at 2011 ING Hartford Marathon



GLASTONBURY, Conn. - (April 25, 2011) - In an effort to recognize the many amazing personal journeys that compel participants to run ING Hartford Marathon events, the Hartford Marathon Foundation is creating a new facet of its Elite runner program. This year, the Foundation is accepting nominations of the most inspiring personalities and personal stories - runners in the 5K, Half or Full Marathon will be selected from nominations and will receive special VIP treatment as part of the Elite Inspiration Team. Winners will be provided Elite level benefits including complimentary hotel stay, Pasta Supper and marathon apparel. Additionally, they will be profiled with their photos and stories on the ING Hartford Marathon website and will also be introduced on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the start of the marathon and highlighted on Jumbo-Tron in front of thousands of runners and spectators.



Runners can nominate themselves or others who they feel have a compelling and inspirational story to share on the circumstances around their participation in the 2011 ING Hartford Marathon. Profiles can be submitted from any age or skill level but should highlight the story behind the runner - whether overcoming personal hardship or excelling against odds, taking inspiring leadership roles or quietly making a positive impact on those around them. Nomination forms are available at the "events" page for the ING Hartford Marathon at www.INGHartfordMarathon.com. Nominations are accepted April 15 through June 30. Winners will be notified in July.



"We are moved by the many amazing accomplishments and stories of our runners and are excited to highlight some of the incredible journeys that compel them to run the ING Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K" said Beth Shluger, founder and Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. "The Elite Inspiration Team is a natural extension of our mission to motivate people toward healthy and active lifestyles and we welcome nominations to share the inspiring personal missions of our runners."



The new Elite Inspiration Team will run in conjunction with the ING Hartford Marathon's New England Finest Elite Program, which continues to focus efforts on recruiting and recognizing talented runners from the region.



The ING Hartford Marathon has received national recognition for its commitment to providing all runners with exceptional services, including awarding-winning post-race food and extensive efforts to off-set environmental impact of each runner. A repeat recipient of recognition by the Road Runners Club of America, the Marathon earned State Championship title status last year. This year, the ING Hartford Half Marathon is the RRCA New England Regional Championship race.



The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes nearly 30 annual athletic events, including the ING Hartford Marathon. For more information, visit: www.INGHartfordMarathon.com


2011 National Run a Mile Days Set for May 1-8

Partners American Running Association, Youth Runner Magazine seek hosts in all 50 states for 4th edition



BETHESDA, Md. - The American Running Association (ARA) will host and promote the 4th National Run a Mile Days starting May 1 and lasting through May 8, 2011. Participating schools and organizations may include elementary, middle and high schools, track clubs and community organizations. ARA and our partner Youth Runner Magazine will post stories and photos from multiple event sites across the U.S.

"We are seeking elementary, middle school and high schools in all 50 states to host a Miler Day," said ARA's Executive Director Dave Watt. "We are committed to supporting schools and groups committed to the Run a Mile Days concept."



Host schools, running clubs and communities are encouraged to incorporate the "Miler" event into their PE class planners as well as community events.



"Running the Mile is a measure of fitness as well as a great distance to kick start a commitment to a healthier lifestyle," added Watt.



ARA will sponsor a Miler host site in all 50 states in 2011. Each selected event will receive recognition awards or Run a Mile Days certificates for participants in their mile events. Completion certificates and posters will be provided to select schools. Results and photos will be posted on both the ARA website (www.americanrunning.org) and on the Youth Runner website (www.youthrunner.com).



To sign-up or for more information about National Run a Mile Days, go to: www.gosportz.com/events.php?eventid=8282#event_tab=event_details

May 6th is the anniversary date of the world's first sub-4 minute mile as Roger Bannister showed the world in 1954 that the sub-4 minute mile was not a barrier. To this day, the sub-4 minute mile is a cherished achievement by male runners worldwide. ARA honors Sir Roger Bannister's achievement on Run a Mile Days. His tenacity and commitment to challenge a perceived impenetrable barrier can be a lesson for anyone facing a seemingly out of reach goal.



The National Run a Mile Days™ is produced by the Bethesda, MD - based American Running Association (ARA). ARA is a non-profit organization founded in 1968 to promote healthy living and active lifestyles among all Americans. It is dedicated to supporting runners through education and specialized programs, as well as encouraging all individuals from youths to adults to run and be fit.



For more information about the ARA or to learn more about the Walk and Run programs, visit: www.americanrunning.org





Contact Information


Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232

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This email was sent to keithconning@aol.com by ryan@runningusa.org |
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