Posted: June 13, 2004

Athletics: Marine Corps Marathon Receives USATF Charitable Race of the Year Award

MCM Charity Partners Kick-off Registration and Fundraising Drive for 2004

QUANTICO, Va. - (May 26, 2004) - The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) received the USA Track & Field (USATF) 2003 Charitable Race of the Year award in a special ceremony at Maggiano's Little Italy in Chevy Chase. USATF CEO Craig Masback presented the crystal award to MCM Race Director Rick Nealis, in front of an audience that included representatives of more than 17 of the 2004 MCM Charity Partners.

"The Marine Corps Marathon is honored to receive this recognition and proud to have members from our charity partners by our side for this presentation," said Rick Nealis MCM Race Director. "Enabling participants to dedicate their run to generating funds for a charitable cause and helping find new cures is a wonderful element of the MCM."

Developed in 1998, the MCM Charity Partner Program has provided a platform for organizations to generate over $32 million dollars. In 2003, MCM Charity Partners raised more than $8 million. Charities use guaranteed spots in the always sold-out event to raise funds for their individual causes. Runners sign up with a charity, receive a race entry and fund raise, often participating in an accompanying training program. A USATF study revealed that across the country charity runners raised approximately $563 million dollars in 2003.

The MCM charity partners will begin intensive recruiting and training programs following the end of the MCM online registration lottery on June 2, 2004. Interested runners can visit the MCM Charity page to view the wide variety of causes taking part in this year's program.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 293,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." Runner's World Magazine ranks the Marine Corps Marathon among the 10 Best Beginner Marathons. Visit the race website at: www.marinemarathon.com

For media information, contact Kristen Teubner at the Marine Corps Marathon
Public Relations office (703) 432-1164, or .