Running USA wire 82, October 7, 2009

The world's first ever such expo powered by Expos2™

SAN JOSE, Calif - (October 7, 2009) - Organizers of the 2009 Dean Karnazes Silicon Valley Marathon® (DKSVM) have announced that the world's first ever Virtual Race Expo™ is now open to registration from both exhibitors and attendees. The Virtual Race Expo™ is powered by Expos2™ and provides a centralized online setting for expo vendors and consumers from all corners of the globe to connect with one another.

"We're thrilled to be able to open registration to the public," said Race Director J.T. Service. "We've all been working hard to prepare for this event, and we're confident that it will be a memorable experience for all participants."

The Virtual Race Expo™ will be online from October 19 to October 24, enabling visitors from anywhere to attend at their convenience. Once inside, attendees will be able to interact with virtual vendors and view live demonstrations, gain access to expo-only merchandise specials, and view traditional expo presentations from speakers such as DKSVM's leading man, Dean Karnazes.

Registration is free of charge for all attendees, and exhibitors can participate in this innovative event for a fraction of what it would cost to attend most "live" expos.

Attendees, exhibitors and sponsors interested in registering for or learning more about the Virtual Race Expo™ can visit www.virtualraceexpo.com.

Available prize purse exceeds $10,000; October 11 event to benefit Saint John's Health Center

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - (October 7, 2009) - Generic Events has announced the addition of sports brand Saucony to the sponsor list for the Lexus Santa Monica 5000. Joining sponsors Ed Hardy Sport and Lexus, Saucony brings the running world to Southern California with the Elite West Coast Invitational featuring top athletes from around the globe. The addition of this elite division expands the 4th edition includes a 5K, 10K and 2.5K dash. The races all take place on Sunday, October 11, 2009 with proceeds benefiting Saint John's Health Center.

"We at Saucony are loyal to the sport of running. Part of our mission is to support local running communities, by joining forces with the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 we hold true to our company's mission," stated Kirk Antonson, West Coast Tech Representative, Saucony.

"We are very pleased with the field for the 2009 Saucony Elite West Coast Invitational," said event director, Brennan Lindner, Generic Events. "Our goal has always been to showcase the beauty and excitement of elite racing to Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Saucony brings their commitment to running which attracts a high caliber of runners from around the U.S. and the world."

This year's race features defending women's race champion and course record holder (15:47) Belainesh Gebre of Ethiopia. 2007-08 women's 10K winner and course record holder (35:53) Christine Bolf of Los Angeles will be returning as well.

For the men, Haron Lagat of Kenya, who was first in 2006 and runner-up in 2007, is returning to reclaim the title in 2009. He will have to hold off Christian Hesch from Morro Bay, Calif., who finished second in 2008.

Kicking off at the infamous Santa Monica Pier the event features three runs: a 5K, 10K and 2.5K dash for kids. Competitor magazine and Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine both named the event as "a must do" for all avid runners. New financial incentives have been established for 2009 with the purse progressing from $150 to the maximum of $1000 plus time bonuses:

Prize Money & Time Bonus Structure
Santa Monica 5000 (Men and Women)
1st = $1000
2nd = $700
3rd = $500

Santa Monica 5000 Time Bonuses (Men and Women)
(Non-cumulative, only the highest time bonus is awarded)
Men
Sub-14:20 = $300
Sub-14:35 = $150

Women
Sub-16:30 = $150
Sub-16:00 = $300

Santa Monica 10,000 (Men and Women)
1st = $500
2nd = $300
3rd = $200

1st Santa Monica Resident* (male or female) in the 10K Run = $200
*Winners must be able to present a driver's license with a valid Santa Monica address.

Saint John's is the beneficiary of the Lexus Santa Monica 5000. As a fundraising event, the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 provides vital support for essential services and community programs offered by Saint John's Health Center. This is especially important in the current economic climate that has brought unprecedented financial challenges to many hospitals throughout Southern California.

To learn more about the event, to sign-up as a participant and more, visit: www.santamonica5000.com

Growth of organization that hosts Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and related events inspires evolution of its name

MINNEAPOLIS - (October 7, 2009) - After 28 years, Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is now Twin Cities In Motion. The organizational name change is a reflection of its strong fiscal and business standing in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

"The running community recognizes the importance of quality running events, and the history of our brand promises to deliver a top notch experience at any distance," said Twin Cities in Motion executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. "The name Twin Cities Marathon has dually represented our world class running event and the group of dedicated staff and volunteers who have made each marathon spectacular for the past 28 years. Over this time, the organization behind the event has changed. We've grown in size, added new events, and built a solid reputation as fitness event planners. Our new name is a positive reflection of our past and a foundation for our future, as we continue to serve our community by promoting health and fitness through the inspiration and achievements of people of all ages and abilities."

The name change to Twin Cities in Motion was introduced at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend Reception on Friday, October 2 at the start of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend of events and was met with great welcome by sponsors, the running community and the organization's year-round volunteers. The tagline for Twin Cities in Motion is "Plan. Organize. Manage. Run." The events organized by the former "Twin Cities Marathon, Inc." remain the same and the name change allows for future growth of other health and fitness events.

Twin Cities in Motion, formerly Twin Cities Marathon, Inc., is the non-profit organization that organizes running events throughout the year, including the Medtronic TC 1 Mile, Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, Medtronic TC 10 Mile, the TC 10K, TC5K and the Medtronic TC Family Events and Medtronic TC Kids Marathon program and related events, as a community service for the Minneapolis / St. Paul area. Visit www.mtcmarathon.org for more information.