Team Running USA Athletes Excel in 2006
Kastor first U.S. woman under 2:20 in the marathon

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - (December 14, 2006) - Led by Deena Kastor's landmark sub-2:20 marathon victory at London, Team Running USA athletes produced another banner year of achievement including setting 8 national records and winning 5 national titles.

"In 2006, our mix of veterans - Olympic medalists Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi and rising young stars - Ryan and Sara Hall, Ian Dobson and Lauren Fleshman with coaches Terrence Mahon, Bob Larsen and Joe Vigil continued the success of the training group. Their collective dedication, drive to be the best in the world and the special chemistry of the group have improved the status of U.S. distance running, and we look forward to more success in 2007 and beyond as the 2008 Beijing Olympics near," said Basil Honikman, Executive Director of Running USA.

Team Running USA athletes also garnered plenty of media interest and coverage including features, profiles and cover shots in major publications such as the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and Runner's World.

Below is the major 2006 performance summary for the Team Running USA development program.

8 NATIONAL RECORDS
On April 2, at the Vattenfall Berlin Half-Marathon, Deena Kastor ran 1:07:34 to break her U.S. record by 19 seconds and en route the 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist established U.S. road records at 12K (38:24), 10 mile (51:31) and 20K (1:04:07).

On April 23, Kastor impressively won the Flora London Marathon in a sterling 2:19:36, which broke her 2003 U.S. record (2:21:16, also at London) and made the Arkansas grad the 4th fastest woman all-time and the 8th woman to break 2:20 (and first American woman). En route Deena also set U.S. records at 25K (1:22:36) and 30K (1:39:08).

On October 8, with his even-paced 57:54, Ryan Hall shattered the U.S. 20K record at the IAAF World Road Running Championships in Debrecen, Hungary. Overall, against a world class field, he finished 11th.

4 USA CHAMPIONS, 5 NATIONAL TITLES
Lauren Fleshman, 5000 meters
Ryan Hall, 12K cross country and 20K
Sara Hall, 5K
Meb Keflezighi, 15K

5 USA NATIONAL RUNNERS-UP, 5 TIMES
Lauren Fleshman, 4K cross country
Sara Hall, 3000m indoors
Gabe Jennings, 1500 meters
Meb Keflezighi, 10,000 meters
Jen Rhines, 15K

WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
Ian Dobson, 4K
Ryan Hall, 4K & 12K
Sara Hall, 4K

WORLD ROAD RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM
Ryan Hall, 11th (57:54, U.S. record), top American

BOLDER BOULDER INT'L TEAM CHALLENGE TITLE
At the Bolder Boulder 10K last May, Rhines finished fifth to help the U.S. women's team win its third team title in four years.

About Team Running USA
Team Running USA, formerly Team USA California, is a national athlete development program created by Running USA, a national industry trade organization. The mission of Team Running USA is to support, promote and assist the development of U.S. distance runners.

Since 2001, Team Running USA athletes have won two Olympic medals, 12 World Cross Country Championship medals and two major marathons, set one world road record, 19 national records and numerous personal records, earned 49 national titles and three USARC Grand Prix titles and added to world and U.S. all-time lists. In short, they are the most accomplished training group in the United States.

Supported by the New York Road Runners, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Chevron Houston Marathon and Atlanta Track Club, the program's athletes utilize the resources at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista for sea level training and Mammoth Lakes for high / low altitude training throughout the year. Renowned and Olympic coaches Joe Vigil and Bob Larsen and coach Terrence Mahon coordinate this elite group.

For more information on Team Running USA including sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, contact: Ryan Lamppa, (805) 696-6232, ryan@runningusa.org or visit: RunningUSA.org

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Kahugu, Jelagat Win New Las Vegas Marathon
$50,000 Challenge goes to Kahugu; event record 16,047 entrants

LAS VEGAS - (December 10, 2006) - In conditions of cool, clear weather with a start line temperature of 53 degrees, the second annual New Las Vegas Marathon took a dramatic step toward becoming one of the world's top destination marathons. Runners from all 50 states and 42 nations welcomed the opportunity to run the electrifying neon corridor of the world famous Las Vegas Strip.

Joseph Kahugu of Kenya crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 16 minutes, 23 seconds to take home $15,000 and in addition, the $50,000 Challenge bonus for the first person to break the tape. The Challenge gives top women a head start based on the best marathon times of the elite runners. For this year's race, the Challenge time differential was 17 minutes, 52 seconds.

In her marathon debut, Kenya's Jemima Jelagat won the women's race in 2:35:22 and $15,000. Jelagat, who ran alone the entire race and faced strong headwinds in the last 12 miles, held the Challenge lead until just past the 25 mile mark.

Runner-ups were Noah Talam (Kenya) in 2:17:57 and Angie Bestwick (USA / NV) in 2:56:16 who each received $7500. Mark Roberts (Great Britain) and Pauline McLean (Canada) placed third in 2:37:42 and 2:59:20 respectively and each pocketed $4000. Defending Clark County champions Abebe Yimer (2:41:25) and Bestwick each received $10,000 as the fastest local runners.

Both races began with a spectacular display of pre-dawn fireworks and an energetic live performance by Blue Man Group on the start line. The race further succeeded in its mission to offer more entertainment per mile than any marathon in the world with a 400% increase in entertainment centers over last year. In the last four miles alone, there were ten "Home-Stretch Entertainment Stations" to inspire participants to the finish line, where performers from Mystere by Cirque du Soleil welcomed the finishers.

Among the race's many "Only in Vegas" experiences - 75 Elvis runners, nine showgirls and 24 couples who got married or renewed their vows at the mile 5 Run Thru Wedding Chapel. Host Hotel Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino produced blackjack felts customized with New Las Vegas Marathon artwork and a limited edition $5 gaming chip commemorating this year's race.

The New Las Vegas Marathon, in just its second year, attracted an event record 16,047 participants - up from 10,773 when the race debuted in 2005. By popular demand, race organizers added a half-marathon to this year's race that contributed to the explosive 50% growth of the event. If the event grows an additional 50% for the 3rd annual New Las Vegas Marathon on Sunday, December 9, 2007, it will reach the 25,000 participant cap set by Clark County Nevada and the City of Las Vegas. Online registration for the 2007 race will open on January 9, 2007 at LVMarathon.com.

2nd New Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas, NV, Sunday, December 10, 2006

MEN (times unofficial)
1) Joseph Kahugu, Kenya, 2:16:23, $65,000
2) Noah Talam, Kenya, 2:17:57, $7500
3) Mark Roberts, Great Britain, 2:37:42, $4000
4) Abebe Yimer, Ethiopia / NV, 2:41:25, $10,000*
*Clark County champion

WOMEN (times unofficial)
1) Jemima Jelagat, Kenya, 2:35:22, $15,000
2) Angie Bestwick, USA / NV, 2:56:16, $17,500*
3) Pauline McLean, Canada, 2:59:20, $4000
*includes $10,000 as Clark County champion

Complete results at: LVMarathon.com

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Contact: Tamara Hills, Brooks Sports, Inc., (425) 489-2444; tamara.hills@brooksrunning.com

Brooks Hits Starting Blocks of Seattle's SEAFAIR Festival
Renowned Northwest event adds local running brand as sponsor

SEATTLE - (Dec. 12, 2006) - What do hydroplanes, pirates and Brooks running gear have in common? You'll now find them all at Seattle's 2007 SEAFAIR celebration, with performance running company Brooks Sports, Inc. joining the festival as the Official Running Shoe and Apparel Sponsor of SEAFAIR Sports.

The recently signed sponsorship agreement gives hometown company Brooks exclusivity in the running shoe and apparel category for SEAFAIR's Marathon, Triathlon and Torchlight Run. Held July 8, 15 and 28 respectively, the three events draw more than 26,000 fitness enthusiasts and spectators from the Northwest.

"SEAFAIR is excited to welcome Brooks as our official footwear and apparel partner for SEAFAIR 2007," said Director of SEAFAIR Sports Mike Ogliore. "Brooks' long-standing tradition within the local running community only adds to the momentum we are witnessing heading into the third year of the marathon. SEAFAIR and Brooks will provide a first-class experience to all participants of the SEAFAIR Sports calendar of events."

With an unwavering focus on delivering peak performance through product, service and a cultural spirit that stays true to the run, Brooks connects with runners through strategic grassroots marketing activities such as its new partnership with SEAFAIR.

"Brooks is thrilled to participate in SEAFAIR - one of our region's most exciting and community-driven summer festivals," said Brooks Events Marketing Manager Kim Anderson. "Bringing together crowds of enthusiastic runners in Brooks' own backyard, SEAFAIR presents an amazing opportunity for us to connect with consumers in meaningful and inspirational ways."

Brooks - headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle - offers a robust line of performance running footwear, apparel and accessories throughout the Northwest and the world. Sold predominately at specialty running retailers, Brooks products are designed to work with the body's mechanics of motion, enhance comfort and aid in injury prevention. Considered the brand of choice among discerning runners who are serious about their equipment, Brooks is renowned for remarkable fit, advanced fabrications and superior functionality. The company's mission is to inspire people to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. Visit BrooksRunning.com for more information.

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