Running USA wire 2, January 6, 2010

More than 55,000 participants expected; Bastos strives for sixth straight victory; 7,500 athletes go 'Goofy'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - (January 4, 2010) - More than 55,500 runners - Disney's largest marathon weekend field ever - are registered for the 17th Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA on January 7-10, 2010. This year's capacity field tops last year's record by 10,500 registered participants and aims to place the marathon weekend as one of the top combination race weekends in the country.

A record 55,500 runners have registered for the variety of events that make up the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. In 2009, the Walt Disney World Marathon was the sixth largest in the nation and the second largest marathon / half-marathon combination event. The main event - Sunday's 26.2-mile journey through Disney's four major theme parks - starts at 5:40am near Epcot.

Runners can look forward to VIP treatment as new "More Magic" options have been added. A pre-race pasta party and a post-race private celebration are new ticketed events available to those in attendance. On Thursday, January 7, the Pasta in the Park Party at Epcot will give runners and their friends and family a chance to "carbo load" before the race and see a special viewing of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," a nighttime fireworks display. After the marathon on Sunday, the chance to ride select attractions and unwind with a live DJ and Disney characters is available when Disney's Hollywood Studios hosts a private Victory Lap Celebration.

The VIP Race Retreat package is available again this year offering special race-day upgrades for participants and their friends and family, such as exclusive meet and greets with Disney characters and pre-registration for next year's marathon.

"Our 'More Magic' features are all about giving the guest VIP treatment in a way that only Disney can," said Disney Sports Area Manager Kathleen Duran. "Starting and ending the weekend with exclusive events inside the parks is a great way for our runners to share the race experience with their friends and family."

Another annual highlight returning this year is Brazil's Adriano Bastos, who is chasing his sixth straight Disney Marathon victory and seventh overall. He won his first marathon in 2003 and has won five in a row since 2005. Last year he crossed the finish line in 2:20:38 - roughly seven minutes ahead of the runner-up and 20 seconds faster than his finishing time in 2008.

In addition to Sunday's 26.2-mile marathon, the weekend features a half-marathon on Saturday. The whole family can participate in events such as the Disney-Pixar Up & Away Family Fun Run 5K on Friday as well as Disney's Kids' Races Friday and Saturday. The Kids' Races will include a diaper dash, 100, 200 and 400-yard races and the timed Mickey Mile.

There's also Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, which involves both running the half-marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge celebrates its fifth anniversary with 7,500 registered, 193 of those runners being "Perfectly Goofy" by running in all five Goofy Challenges. The "Perfectly Goofy" runners will receive special recognition throughout the weekend. The Disney Marathon Weekend also features a Health and Fitness Expo (Jan 7-9) at the soon-to-be-reimagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event, which is free, features celebrity runner appearances, the opportunity to test the latest in running and fitness equipment and a series of seminars on training, racing and nutrition.

For more information on the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or to register for the 2011 event (Jan 6-9), visit: disneyworldmarathon.com

Runners in Chevron Houston Marathon weekend races have generated $1.2 million

HOUSTON - (January 5, 2010) - Runners in the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon and accompanying Aramco Houston Half Marathon and EP5K have already raised $1.2 million for charity through the Run for a Reason program. This surpasses the total amount raised in 2009, and gives the event an opportunity to eclipse the record total of $1.26 million generated by the program two years ago.

More than 26,000 runners are registered to participate in the 38th running of the nation's premier winter marathon and companion half-marathon and 5K races on Sunday, January 17, 2010.

"The efforts of our runners to support the causes of so many important nonprofit organizations are extraordinary," said Brant Kotch, race director of the Chevron Houston Marathon. "To have already raised more in donations than last year in the midst of a difficult economy demonstrates that for thousands of runners, participating is about much more than making it across the finish line."

The Run for a Reason charity program links runners with 46 participating Houston-area nonprofit organizations. Runners in all three races collect pledges and donations from their family, friends and coworkers on behalf of a charity. The program strengthens ties between the running community and local charities, and also provides critical financial support for the underprivileged in the Houston area.

Two new additions to the Run for a Reason program this year are credited with helping to generate increased interest in the program. The Heroes Charity initiative provided a limited number of marathon and half-marathon "Hero Entries." Each special entry required a minimum contribution of $350, a direct donation to the Run for a Reason charity of the runner's choice, plus the cost of race registration. In addition, the Fundraising for Registration program allowed runners to select a specific charity to support. The charity set the fundraising minimum and when that amount was raised, the runner was registered for the race.

Including 2010 donations, the Run for a Reason program has raised more than $8.6 million for charities in its 14-year history.

The Chevron Houston Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, is the nation's premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 foreign countries. In 2009, more than 26,000 runners participated in four marathon weekend events (marathon, half marathon, 5K run and children's run). The Houston Marathon has been ranked among the top five in the nation by Ultimate Guide to Marathons for fastest course, organization and crowd support. More than 5,000 volunteers organize the race, which is Houston's largest single-day sporting event.

More information is available at: www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or (713) 957-3453.

2006 race champion Kastor, three-time Olympian Abdirahman lead American contingent; stellar field assembled for 30th edition

LONDON - Reigning race champions Sammy Wanjiru and Irina Mikitenko will return to defend their London Marathon titles on Sunday, April 25 against two of the strongest fields ever assembled in the 29-year history of the race.

Virgin London Marathon race director David Bedford said: "We are delighted to welcome our two champions back to head such high quality races. These elite fields are as good as any we've had in the previous 29 London Marathons, and I am sure they will produce two superb contests for the London crowds."

Wanjiru smashed the course record last April when he added the London crown to his Beijing Olympic gold, while Mikitenko will be chasing a rare triple after she retained her title in superb style in 2009. The German is aiming to become only the second woman ever to win three London marathons in a row following countrywoman Katrin Dorre's trio of victories from 1992-94.

Yet both champions face stern tests if they are to repeat their triumphs next year on the streets of London.

Despite his brilliant 2009 win in a personal record of 2 hours, 5 minutes, 10 seconds, Wanjiru will be only the third quickest in the 2010 men's field.

The line-up includes no fewer than six men who have run faster than 2:05:30, including reigning World champion Abel Kirui and three-time London winner Martin Lel, both of Kenya, plus World and Olympic bronze medalist Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia, who was second in London last year, and former two-time World champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco, who was third.

Quickest of the lot, however, is Kenyan record holder Duncan Kibet, the second fastest marathon runner of all-time thanks to his 2:04:27 victory at Rotterdam 2009. Like Kirui, Kibet will be making his London Marathon debut.

"I am delighted to be returning to London again," said Wanjiru, the 23-year-old Kenyan who was crowned World Marathon Majors champion last November. "I will be doing my best to defend my title after I worked so hard to win it last year. London always has the world's best athletes but with opponents such as Duncan, Abel and Martin it will be even tougher this time."

There are many other likely challengers among the 16-strong professional field, including sub-2:07 World silver medalist Emmanuel Mutai of Kenya, plus two-time ING New York City Marathon champion Marilson Dos Santos of Brazil.

Two Eritreans - Yonas Kifle, and the three-time World Half Marathon champion Zersenay Tadese - will also be in the hunt for medals, while the Asian challenge comes from a trio of Japanese runners - the Matsumiya twins, Yuko and Takayuki, and Yusei Nakao.

Three-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman is the top American male entered to-date.

Britain's hopes of a decent showing rest with Dan Robinson, the Commonwealth Games silver medalist, and Andrew Lemoncello, a former steeplechaser making his debut over 26 miles, 385 yards.

Competition in the women's race will be equally fierce. While Mikitenko heads the field with her German record of 2:19:19, the World Marathon Majors champion faces stiff opposition from Romania's 2008 Olympic title holder Constantina Dita, all three medalists from the Berlin World Championships, and Britain's Mara Yamauchi who produced a brilliant performance in 2009 to finish second just a minute behind Mikitenko in a personal record of 2:23:12.

"My goal is to win a third London Marathon and equal Katrin's record," said the 37-year-old Mikitenko. "I love running in London and I am determined to be fit and ready for the challenge, although I know it will be difficult against such strong opponents."

In all, six athletes in the 19-strong field have broken 2:22, while twelve have run faster than 2:25. Athens Olympic bronze medalist Deena Kastor is the second fastest in the field, and the American will be keen to repeat her 2006 London victory when she set a U.S. record of 2:19:36.

New York City runner-up Lyudmila Petrova has the third quickest time. She is one of five strong Russians, including fellow veteran Svetlana Zakharova, three-time runner-up at London; Liliya Shobukhova, the 2009 Bank of America Chicago champion and third here last year, and Inga Abitova, winner of the recent Yokohama Marathon.

There's also a phalanx of fast Ethiopians, including the real,- Berlin champion, Atsede Habtamu; the 2009 Dubai champion, Bezunesh Bekele; the World Championships bronze medalist, Aselefech Mergia, and former Paris champion Magarsa Assale Tafa.

World champion Bai Xue of China leads the Asian threat, along with World silver medalist Yoshimi Ozaki and her Japanese teammate Yukiko Akaba. Two New Zealanders, Kim Smith and Fiona Docherty, and South African Tanith Maxwell make up the field.

The professional fields and their best times:
MEN
Samuel Wanjiru (KEN), 2:05:10, defending champion, 2008 Olympic champion
Duncan Kibet (KEN), 2:04:27
Abel Kirui (KEN), 2:05:04
Martin Lel (KEN), 2:05:15, three-time race champion
Tsegaye Kebede (ETH), 2:05:18, 2008 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist
Jaouad Gharib (MAR), 2:05:27, two-time World champion
Emmanuel Mutai (KEN), 2:06:15
Yonas Kifle (ERI), 2:07:34
Marilson Dos Santos (BRA), 2:08:37
Abdi Abdirahman (USA), 2:08:56, three-time Olympian
Yuko Matsumiya (JPN), 2:09:18
Takayuki Matsumiya (JPN), 2:10:04
Dan Robinson (GBR), 2:12:14
Yusei Nakao (JPN), 2:14:23
Zersenay Tadese (ERI), DNF (London 2009)
Andrew Lemoncello (GBR), debut

WOMEN
Irina Mikitenko (GER), 2:19:19, defending race champion
Deena Kastor (USA), 2:19:36, 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist; 2006 race champion; U.S. record holder
Lyudmila Petrova (RUS), 2:21:29
Constantina Dita (ROU), 2:21:30, 2008 Olympic champion
Svetlana Zakharova (RUS), 2:21:31
Magarsa Assale Tafa (ETH), 2:21:31
Bezunesh Bekele (ETH), 2:23:09
Mara Yamauchi (GBR), 2:23:12
Bai Xue (CHN), 2:23:27
Yoshimi Ozaki (JPN), 2:23:30
Liliya Shobukhova (RUS), 2:24:24
Atsede Habtamu (ETH), 2:24:47
Mergia Aselefech (ETH), 2:25:02
Yukiko Akaba (JPN), 2:25:40
Inga Abitova (RUS), 2:25:55
Tanith Maxwell (RSA), 2:36:38
Fiona Docherty (NZL) 2:40:18
Kim Smith (NZL), DNF (New York 2008)
Maria Konovalova (RUS), debut

For further information, visit: www.virginlondonmarathon.com and www.worldmarathonmajors.com

"The Cleveland Experience" showcased the heart of the city with a fun, hippie-themed brand

CLEVELAND - (December 28, 2009) - The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K has been awarded the distinguished American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA. The marathon's advertising agency, Highland Public Relations, received the award in recognition of the marathon's identity campaign, launched in 2009, The Cleveland Experience.

The American Graphic Design Awards is a national competition open to everyone in the graphic arts community. It honors outstanding works of all kinds in 23 different categories ranging from print and packaging to Internet and interactive design.

Executive Race Director Jack Staph said the goal of The Cleveland Experience campaign was to bring the heart of Cleveland and its rock and roll roots to life.

Staph said, "Our runners really embraced the fun, hippie-themed brand and enjoyed wearing the branded gear."

The Cleveland Marathon staff received feedback from runners who, in keeping with the theme of the campaign, were happy to share how much they enjoyed creating their own Cleveland experiences during race weekend in May 2009.

"The positive feedback from runners is the greatest reward. Receiving the American Graphic Design Award for our marketing efforts is also something of which I'm quite proud," continued Staph.

During the race, many runners and observers were dressed in the colorful branded running gear they purchased that weekend at the marathon's expo. Seeing so many people wear the marathon's shirts was proof that The Cleveland Experience connected with the crowds.

"This award means a great deal to those of us that work so hard to put on this event and bring health and fitness to Cleveland," said Staph. "The second aspect of the 'Cleveland Experience' is using the course to show off the best and brightest parts of the city. I'm a firm believer that once people experience Cleveland, they will be fully impressed with the city."

The Cleveland Experience campaign consisted of full page, full color ads in a number of regional and national running publications, as well as national online banner ads, a branded website and email campaign and other collateral materials that were also part of the award submission.

"Highland PR has worked tirelessly to help create a strong brand for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon," Staph added. "It's obvious through this award and the response of the runners that with their help, we've struck the right chord with our marketing efforts."

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has experienced 140 percent growth in participation since 2003, with 12,500 registered runners in its May 17, 2009 events. One of the 50 oldest marathons in the country, it is a Boston Marathon qualifier and sits in the top five for fastest median time for marathon finishers nationally.

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon offers the following opportunities for people to participate in the event: full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, full marathon walking division, half-marathon walking division, 10K walking division, a new 5K (run or walk), Kids' Run and 10K Corporate Team Challenge. The events take place May 15 and 16, 2010.

To register for any of the events, or learn more about the race, visit: www.clevelandmarathon.com

Akron, Ohio's Highland Public Relations is the marathon's agency of record. It has been responsible for developing the marathon's advertising strategy and campaign creative since 2003. The agency also handles the media relations responsibilities for the marathon. Highland Public Relations is a full-service public relations, marketing and advertising firm located in the Highland Square district of Akron. Information can be found at: www.HighlandPR.com