Posted: February 10, 2004

Athletics: Astronaut Richard Searfoss Will Explore the New (for him) Frontier of the Napa Valley Marathon

NAPA, CA, February 1, 2004 - The Napa Valley Marathon welcomes a new "star," to the 26th Annual running: Astronaut Rick Searfoss, Colonel USAF, retired. As a space flyer, Commander Rick Searfoss shares with only a handful of people some of the most unique human experiences possible. Commenting on his upcoming challenge in the Napa Valley Marathon, Searfoss stated: "First, I believe I am the fastest person to ever enter the Napa Valley Marathon, not as a runner, (although I do okay in my age group), but one of my three space flights holds the record for the highest velocity reentry of any Space Shuttle mission (marathon distance in slightly more than five seconds!)." He added," I'm dedicating this race to my astronaut friends and colleagues on the STS-107 who lost their lives during re-entry on February 1, 2003. I'm attempting to raise awareness of the Columbia Shuttle Memorial Trust, established to support the families of STS-107 and the searchers who perished in a helicopter accident." Six of the seven crewmembers were personal friends of Colonel Searfoss. For more information and to contribute to the Columbia Shuttle Memorial Trust, go to their website: www.columbia7trust.org.

Searfoss was a flight instructor at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California, when selected for the astronaut program by NASA in January 1990. He piloted two Space Shuttle missions and commanded a third. His first space flight in 1993 set the record for the longest duration Space Shuttle mission. In 1996 he piloted Atlantis to the Russian space station Mir. With the STS-90 "Neurolab" mission on Columbia in 1998, Rick commanded the most complex scientific research space mission ever flown, with unparalleled mission success.

A veteran of three shuttle flights, Rick has spent over 39 days in space. He served as pilot on STS-58 (October 18 to November 1, 1993) and STS-76 (March 22 to 31, 1996), and was the mission commander on STS-90 (April 17 to May 3, 1998). Rick retired from the Air Force and left NASA in 1998. During his career he has logged over 5,000 hours flying time in 56 different types of aircraft and over 939 hours in space. Commander Searfoss has been the recipient of, among many other honors, three NASA Spaceflight Medals, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Legion of Merit. He also holds FAA Airline Transport Pilot, glider, and flight instructor ratings.

"We're thrilled," said Richard Benyo, board president of the marathon. "The Napa Valley Marathon's reputation has reached new heights. We are sure he has the "right stuff" for the Napa Valley Marathon! We are proud to host a genuine American hero and we are delighted to help Commander Searfoss get the word out about the Columbia Shuttle Memorial Trust. "

The Napa Valley Marathon boasts one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The course runs the length of the Napa Valley. It begins in Calistoga, famous for its geysers, and winds south along the historic Silverado Trail to finish at Vintage High School in Napa. Except for the last half-mile, the entire course is rural. Runners are treated to panoramic views of the valley, flowering fruit trees, and dormant vineyards carpeted with golden mustard flowers. In 2002, Runner's World Magazine placed it among the 20 best marathons in the country.

The 26th Annual Napa Valley Marathon announced that entries for the March 7, 2004 race reached the 2,200 runner limit. For information about the race and activities and the Napa Valley go to www.napa-marathon.com. Alternatively, contact the race at NVM, P.O. Box 4307, Napa 94558, telephone: (707) 255-2609 or FAX: (707) 257-6515.

All proceeds from the Napa Valley Marathon (a non-profit organization) are donated to local charities in the Napa Valley.

The Napa Valley Marathon appreciates generous sponsor support from CBS 5 and UPN Bay Area, the Silverado Trail Wineries Association, Gatorade, USA Track & Field, Calistoga Mineral Water, Tra Vigne, Asics, Marathon Photo, RRCA, GU, Marathon & Beyond, St. Helena Hospital, and the Napa Valley Marriott.

The race website is at: www.napa-marathon.com.