Posted: February 4, 2005

Running: Saucony Inaugurates the "Saucony 26" Man and Woman of the Year

Honoring The Most Inspirational Stories Of Local Runners

Peabody, MA (February 2, 2005) Saucony, Inc., announced the naming of the 2004 "Saucony 26" Man and Woman of the Year to Laura Woodward of Boston, MA and Dan Peterson of Beverly, MA. The inaugural presentation of the "Saucony 26" Man and Woman of the Year will be made at the Endurance Sports Awards on February 5, 2005 at Sea World, San Diego, CA.

Throughout the past year, 26 runners from communities in and around the Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and New York Marathon communities have had their unique stories of triumph celebrated in their local markets. Old or young, first time marathoner or veteran, running for health or to beat illness - all have been part of the "Saucony 26" experience.

In recognition of these Herculean efforts, an internal Saucony committee nominated a male and female runner from each market who represented the most outstanding story or personal mission for completing the arduous 26-mile trek. An ad in the January 2005 issue of Runner's World magazine encouraged readers to vote for the "Saucony 26" Man and Woman of the Year online at www.saucony.com. The nominees were:

* Adriana and Alexa Gonzalez of Murrietta, CA - LA was their second marathon, and they sought to beat their 10-hour time while encouraging their mom to cross the finish line with them. Alexa says, "I want to show kids how fun running can be, and that you can do something special if you don't quit." Her sister Adriana agrees, "Even though you hurt, don't quit, because you'll feel better when you cross the finish line!"

* Ernie Van Leeuwen of Encino, CA - At 91 years old, Ernie was the oldest runner in the field this year at the Los Angeles Marathon. He won the over-80 division at the 2002 race. While there has never been an over-90 division, it appears there is one now. And it looks like Ernie is the one who owns it.

* Laura Woodward of Boston, MA - As a child, Laura was severely burned in a fire, her legs almost amputated but for her father's intervention. Four years ago, when she decided to run marathons, she was 100 pounds overweight, and strongly discouraged by her orthopedic surgeon against running. She ignored his counsel and ran her third marathon this year, joining more than 350 other entrants on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team. Laura ran for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

* Dan Peterson of Beverly, MA - Dan, 53, ran his 23rd consecutive marathon while courageously fighting and living with a stage IV melanoma diagnosis Peterson, whose best marathon finishing time was 2:42:15 in 1984, ran on behalf of the BIDMC Cutaneous Oncology Center. His advice to would be runners? "Embrace and enjoy the experience, there's no other like it; it's a gold medal day for everyone." Dan ran for the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Cutaneous Oncology Center and Staff.

* Pat Kunkle of Valparaiso, IN - Chicago was 56 year old Pat's first marathon - a considerable achievement for a thyroid cancer survivor. Once recovered from thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine treatments and on a regulated dose of medication, she began training with Opportunity Enterprises. With the support of her "Running Buddies" she was determined to complete the 26-mile race and, "show others that they too can finish a marathon through proper training and perseverance; and that having cancer doesn't mean you have to go through life afraid." Pat ran on behalf of Opportunity Enterprises of Valparaiso whose mission is to promote self-sufficiency and life choices for the physically and mentally challenged.

* Alan Robinson of Chicago, IL - The fact that Alan, 50, a recovered quadriplegic, ran his third marathon in Chicago is a modern day miracle. Paralyzed in a car crash in 1990, he underwent months of grueling rehabilitation just to learn how to walk again. Frustrated by the fact that he wasn't able to walk well enough to catch the bus each day, Alan decided to learn to run. As only the second quadriplegic in history to run a marathon, Alan finished in first place in the 2004 Boston Marathon Mobility Impairment Division. Alan ran to raise funds for the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Illinois to provide support services for those who are paralyzed by trauma and conditions of the central nervous system.

* Jo Ann Mannino of Brooklyn, NY - While training for her first NYC marathon in 2000, Jo Ann, 38, was diagnosed with a chronic bone marrow disorder for which there are only limited treatment options and currently no cure. It is a relatively obscure illness that is usually diagnosed later in life, making it a disease for which little research money is available. And so Jo Ann has dedicated herself to raising money for this cause. By running in the 2001, 2002 and 2003 NYC Marathons, she has raised nearly $15,000. Jo Ann sought to better her efforts in 2004--her fifth consecutive NYC Marathon. "I believe that by being a runner and staying fit, I am better able to manage the symptoms of my bone marrow disorder," says Jo Ann. "Running allows me to stay off of the medications which would severely impact my ability to run. Everything is possible if you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard." Jo Ann ran on behalf of the MPD Foundation.

* Randy Savitt of Beechurst, NY - Randy Savitt has run every NYC Marathon for the past 18 years! Since 1985, when Randy first glanced at his friend's finisher's medal, he knew he wanted one of his very own. The 47-year-old's advice to anyone considering a first marathon: "Go ahead. Run at least ONE marathon to see your limitations. Anyone who can walk can finish a marathon," he says. "And if they are going to run one, I tell them to do New York!"

"We wanted to recognize the extraordinary efforts and passion for running that are demonstrated by all of our "Saucony 26" participants, as well as celebrate their different and intense motivations for running in this year's races," said John Fisher, CEO of Saucony. "We hope the "Saucony 26" Man and Woman of the Year and their stories will inspire others to accomplish goals in their lives."

Ms. Woodward and Mr. Peterson will be in attendance at the Endurance Sports Awards, and will receive a commemorative trophy in official recognition of their being named "Saucony 26" Man and Woman of the Year. In addition, Saucony Inc. will make an additional contribution to the charitable causes for which they ran in 2004. Both are running the 2005 Boston Marathon and will once again be members of the "Saucony 26".