Posted: March 7, 2005

Athletics: Nearly $5 Million Raised for Charity Through 2004 Marine Corps Marathon

QUANTICO, Va. - (March 7, 2005) - More than 1,400 charity runners raised over $4.9 million for both local and national causes through participation in the October 2004 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

"The Marine Corps Marathon offers charities and runners a participatory and active fundraiser to help their cause, beyond the traditional methods of monetary donations," said Lindsey Johnson with National Student Partnerships.

"Runners become motivated by a cause that helps propel them on through every aching muscle and every long mile. This type of fundraising makes helping others a personal goal for our runners and inspires them to reach the finish line," Johnson added.

Launched in 1998, the MCM Charity Partner Program has provided an annual platform for organizations to develop a unique fundraising opportunity incorporating training, generating donations, community building and event participation. In seven years, these partnerships have generated over $32 million dollars. Charities use guaranteed spots in the always sold-out event to raise funds for their causes. Runners register to participate in the marathon through a charity, receive a race entry and fund raise, often participating in an accompanying training program.

"Enabling participants to dedicate their run to generating funds for a charitable cause and helping find new cures is a wonderful element of the Marine Corps Marathon," said Rick Nealis, Race Director.

In 2003, the Marine Corps Marathon received the USA Track & Field (USATF) Charitable Race of the Year award in recognition of the charity partner program.

"Since 1999, St. Jude Heroes program has raised more than $2 million through the marathon program and has touched hundreds of lives as we continue to our goal of finding cures and saving children," said Carrie Denning, Associate Regional Director for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

The MCM charity partners have already begun recruiting for the 2005 marathon program. Training programs begin in the spring. Visit www.marinemarathon.com for a list of causes and charity partners participating in 2005.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 30th Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 30, 2005. Rolling registration begins on April 6, 2005 at midnight EST on www.marinemarathon.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.