Posted: October 20, 2005

Athletics: Brooks Sports®, Urban Athletics to Crown Central Park Reservoir Champ

BOTHELL, Wash. - (October 19, 2005) - Running in circles may seem inefficient, but efficient is exactly what runners will need to be when participating in the second annual "Urban Athletics Reservoir Challenge" in New York City on Friday, November 4. Back by popular demand, the competition will draw some of the world's fastest runners for a spirited race around the famed Central Park Reservoir running path, each looking to break the unofficial record of 7 minutes and 3 seconds.

While millions of New York residents and visitors grace this recreational path every year, only one man - Greg Meyer, the last U.S. man to win the Boston Marathon (1983) - is said to unofficially hold the record for the fastest time around the 1.58-mile loop. With some of the world's most talented runners in town for the ING New York City Marathon, New York specialty running retailer Urban Athletics and event sponsor Brooks Sports predict the Reservoir Challenge will deliver performances close to, if not faster than Meyers.

"Anyone who has visited Central Park on a regular basis has undoubtedly looped the reservoir as part of their regular run or training route, and some of the most talented do so in the days leading up to the marathon," said Jesse Williams, manager of Brooks' Athletes and Ambassadors program. "The Urban Athletics Reservoir Challenge is a great way to spice up that route, give runners a fun memory and, crown the official King and Queen of the reservoir."

Designed as a time trail event, the Urban Athletics Reservoir Challenge will schedule competitors to run at specific times between 9am and 4pm on Nov. 4. The challenge is open to the public for an entry fee of $15, which Urban Athletics will donate in full to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Timeslots can be reserved on Urban Athletics' website at UrbanAthleticsNYC.com or at its retail store located on Madison between 91st & 92nd, just steps from Central Park.

"We want to help every runner find their running inspiration - whether that's through a new technical outfit, a personal record or an alternate route, and this event allows us to expose just one of many popular trails located in the park," said Urban Athletics Owner Jerry Macari. "And Brooks makes a perfect partner for us in this event, as we both share the same desire to provide our customers the best performance running gear on the market."

The fastest male and female finishers of the day will each receive $1000. They'll be awarded an additional $2000 if they also beat the previous male/female course record. The top age graded time of the day will receive a $500 gift certificate to Urban Athletics and the fastest male and female members of the media will each receive a $250 gift certificate to Brooks. All Urban Athletics Reservoir Challenge participants will take home a technical, moisture-transfer top from Brooks. Meyers will be on hand to clock runners' times and hand over his title.

About Brooks
Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel and accessories in more than 80 countries worldwide. Part of the Russell Corporation (NYSE: RML), Brooks, founded in 1914, is headquartered in Bothell near Seattle. The company's mission is to inspire people to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. Visit BrooksRunning.com for more information.

About Urban Athletics
Urban Athletics is owned and operated by Jerry Macari and his wife Cara Macari. Jerry is a top runner in New York City, as well as a former New York Road Runners Club "Master Runner of the Year" and USATF Certified Coach. He opened the first Urban Athletics in the World Financial Center in 1995. Since then, he has expanded the business by adding a second location on Madison Avenue. This year, Urban Athletics, a home to runners for camaraderie, gear and advice, was named Shecky's "Best Running Shoe Store in NYC." For more information about Urban Athletics and the Urban Athletics Reservoir Challenge, visit UrbanAthleticsNYC.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.