Thursday, February 09, 2012

Running USA wire 13, February 8, 2012

In this edition:
2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Sells Out in Record Time
Sarris, McAlister Win Surf City USA Marathon
New Balance Foundation, Playworks Partner to Expand the Power of Play
Mudathlon Series Expands to Northern Kentucky

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join Running USA today and have your event listed here, as well as on www.RunningUSA.org
Virginia Is for Lovers 14K & 1.4 Miler, Virginia Beach, VA, February 11
Hearts & Soles 5K, Atlanta, GA, February 11
Valentine's Day TC 5K, Minneapolis, MN, February 11
Valentine's Day - Hearts 'r' Running 5K, St. Paul, MN, February 11
USA Cross Country Championships, St. Louis, MO, February 11
Love 'em or Leave 'em Valentine's Day Dash, Seattle, WA, February 11
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half-Marathon, FL, February 12
26.2 with Donna, Jacksonville Beach, FL, February 12
Valentines Day 5K, Denver, CO, February 12
House of Hope Run Around the Pines 5K, Winter Park, FL, February 18
The Big Chill Run, Pewaukee, WI, February 18
Snowman Stampede 5 & 10 Milers, Littleton, CO, Feb 18
Ft. Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half, FL, February 19
LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon & Half-Marathon, TX, February 19
IMS Arizona Marathon, Glendale, AZ, February 19
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Half-Marathon, CA, Feb 19
Ragnar Relay Del Sol, Prescott-Tempe, AZ, February 24
15th World's Best 10K, San Juan, PUR, February 25
Russell Forest Run, Alexander City, AL, February 25
Cowtown Marathon Weekend, Fort Worth, TX, February 25-26
Disney's Princess Half-Marathon, Lake Buena Vista, FL, Feb 26




2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Sells Out in Record Time
Registration officially closed in a race record six days; limited number of entries still available through the Charity Program



CHICAGO - (February 6, 2012) - Registration for the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon closed in record time as the maximum 45,000 participants signed up in six days for the 35th anniversary event. Demand to run the iconic race, set for Sunday, October 7, has increased significantly in recent years, closing 25 days faster than the previous record established last year. A decade ago, the 2003 event closed in 35 weeks.



"Enthusiasm to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is at an all-time high with record breaking interest, and we plan to match that level of enthusiasm by providing participants with a first-class race experience at the 35th anniversary event," said Bank of America Chicago and Illinois Market President Tim Maloney. "Bank of America is proud to create opportunity for 45,000 passionate runners to achieve their goals on race day and to deliver a world class event that has a profound economic and charitable impact on the Chicago community and beyond each year."



Entry into the sold-out event can still be obtained through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program, which has generated more than $70 million for local, national and global causes since its inception in 2002. More than 90 affiliated nonprofits have available entries for the 2012 race. Visit www.chicagomarathon.com for charity program details and information on how to register by joining a charity team.



"What a way to begin the 35th anniversary Bank of America Chicago Marathon with our field filling up in record time. It is truly a testament to the first-class experience we provide to each and every runner on the streets of Chicago," said Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "This marks the start of an exciting journey for the participants, as well as for our partners in the community, the City of Chicago, our sponsors and our volunteers. Staging the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a team effort, and we're excited to work together to put on a stellar event on October 7 for everyone involved."



About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In 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 professional 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.




Sarris, McAlister Win Surf City USA Marathon
Event record 20,000-plus entrants enjoy near-perfect running conditions



HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - (February 5, 2012) - Paul Sarris, age 34 of Aliso Viejo, won the 16th Surf City USA Marathon in a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, 7 seconds on Sunday morning. Competing in his first-ever marathon, Sarris finished more than seven minutes ahead of runner-up Gray Augustus, age 26 from Ammon, Idaho.



"Surf City was a great event," said Sarris. "The volunteers were everywhere and very helpful. The whole experience was amazing."



In the women's marathon, Carla McAlister (age 34 from San Clemente) defeated Hayley McKenn (age 31 from Portland, OR). McAllister's time, 3:02:48, was more than three minutes faster than McKenn's (3:05:52).



In the accompanying half-marathon, the winners were Steven Osaduik (age 26 from Canada) who finished in 1:06:33 and Liz Camy (age 28 from Chico) who clocked 1:17:18.



On her 78th birthday, Anne Garrett from nearby Oceanside crossed the half-marathon finish line in 2:08:33, coming in first in her age group (75-79) and setting a U.S. single age record with a pace of 9:49 per mile (a world class 99% age-graded performance).



"I did my last half-marathon in January of 2010. It took a long time to recover and I said I'd never run another half. When I realized Surf City was being held on my birthday this year, I decided to sign up for it. I wasn't sure how I would hold up for this one, but I was very pleased when I finished in the time I did. I felt better this year than I did two years ago," said Garrett.



Garrett is no stranger to record setting. Last April, she came in first for the 75-79 division at the Carlsbad 5000. Her time was 25:59, shattering the national record for a 5K in her age group by 13 seconds.



The race reached its capacity on Jan. 5, the earliest in its history, and the seventh consecutive year the event has sold out according to general manager Amy Tomchak.

California's largest combined oceanfront marathon and half-marathon featured more than 20,000 pre-registered runners from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries. A crowd of more than 50,000 lined Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach for near-perfect racing conditions. An additional 50,000 spectators attended the Active Lifestyle Expo on Saturday.



More information and complete results are available at: www.runsurfcity.com







New Balance Foundation, Playworks Partner to Expand the Power of Play
National program reaches 130,000 students in 23 U.S. cities; two-year $1.2 million investment



BOSTON - (January 26, 2012) - New Balance Foundation has announced a national partnership with Playworks, a national nonprofit organization that supports learning and a positive school climate by providing healthy, inclusive play and physical activity, to expand the power of play to more than 130,000 students in 23 cities across the country.



New Balance Foundation's $1.2 million investment over two years will help drive advocacy, outreach, engagement and other initiatives that directly work to build the movement for play. The funding will also support professional development initiatives for the hundreds of Playworks coaches who serve low-income schools nationwide. As part of the agreement, New Balance will be the official footwear and apparel provider for Playworks and will outfit the coaches on the playground.



New Balance Foundation, headquartered in Boston, has been a local partner of Playworks MetroBoston for the past year, with school sponsorship, volunteer and employee engagement activities at 27 schools in Metro Boston. In addition to the national partnership, The Foundation will continue to strengthen its local partnership through dedicated support provided to Metro Boston schools and community service activities with New Balance associates around play and physical activity.



"New Balance Foundation has a wide and deep commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles in their communities. They've been a dedicated partner for us in the Boston area for the past year," notes Playworks Founder and CEO, Jill Vialet. "They have a high standard for excellence and a genuine commitment to supporting leadership and youth development. We are thrilled that they are expanding their commitment to the power of play nationally to serve more youth and communities every day."



"Our partnership with Playworks offers us an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards expanding the power of play to schools and children nationwide," says Molly Santry, New Balance Foundation. "Playworks has a proven program for getting children active through play that also promotes leadership and other qualities that are important for positive youth development. This expanded partnership underscores the New Balance Foundation's long-standing commitment to building a healthier future."



Since 1981, New Balance Foundation has provided more than $48M towards health and wellness initiatives in its local communities with a focus on the prevention of childhood obesity. In April 2011, New Balance President & CEO Rob DeMartini was named the country's Most Playful CEO in a nationwide search for inventive leaders who incorporate play and innovation into the work environment to encourage collaboration and teamwork. The award was sponsored by Playworks.



About Playworks
Playworks is a national nonprofit organization that provides safe, healthy, inclusive play and physical activity to schools at recess and throughout the entire school day. Celebrating its 15-year anniversary, Playworks is the only nonprofit organization in the country to send trained, full-time coaches to low-income, urban schools. Playworks currently serves more than 130,000 children in 300 low-income schools in 23 cities throughout the country every school day.



About New Balance Foundation
Established in 1981, the New Balance Foundation has served a deeply held mission: to support charitable organizations whose humanitarian efforts work for the betterment of our children and communities. The heart of our focus is the prevention of childhood obesity. For more information, visit: www.newbalancefoundation.org







Mudathlon Series Expands to Northern Kentucky
Newest course coming to General Butler State Park



CARROLLTON, Ky. - (February 7, 2012) - The Mudathlon® Series, a 3 mile off-road running event featuring lots of mud, over 40 fun and challenging obstacles and an outstanding post-race party, is coming to Northern Kentucky on Saturday, June 2, 2011. The race will be held at the scenic General Butler State Park 1608 Hwy 227 Carrollton, KY 41008.



Mudathlon promises three things: Mud, Obstacles and Beer - or, in other words, "A Mucking Good Time®."



"The Mudathlon Series is thrilled to be bringing its 'Mucking Good Time' to Northern Kentucky," said Jeff Graves, Big Mudder. "This new location is a great mid-way point for people from Cincinnati, Louisville, and Lexington in the muddy revolution that's sweeping the country."



Seeking as much natural and muddy terrain as possible, the course takes participants through numerous obstacles, including the Mud Slide, Cargo Net Climb, Heaping Hay Bales, 40ft Tunnel of Terror plus great water obstacles. The General Butler State Park terrain also lends itself to biking, hiking, canoeing, camping and golfing, just to name a few.



"Add in a costume contest, delicious grilled Johnsonville Brats, refreshing Miller Lite beer, and a killer band you have a can't-miss event," said Graves.



Registrations for Mudathlon - Northern Kentucky are now being accepted at Mudathlon.com. Cost is $75 per registrant - each entry includes:

Great Medal
Mudathlete shirt
Mudathlon Bandana
Commemorative Mudathlon beer mug
1 free beer for those over 21 (additional beer sold on-site)
Post-Race grill out
A Chip Timed Result
Free parking


Teams and Charity Teams can be created for Mudathlon. There is no limit to the number of people per team, and all teammates will be able to run together. If you set up a Charity Team by following the direction listed on Mudathlon.com $10 / registered participant will go back to the chosen charity of the team. Team awards will be given for best name, costume and aggregate time of the top five members.



The Mudathlon series held three events in 2011, Indianapolis, NW Indiana, and Cincinnati. Mudathlon has announced its newest location of Northern Kentucky for a total of 4 tour stops in 2012.



Visit Mudathlon.com or Facebook.com/Mudathlon to learn more and see pictures from past events.







Contact Information


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




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