Posted: January 9, 2006

Athletics: Olympians Dixon, Ditz to Kick-Off 20-Week Salt Lake City Marathon Training Program

Appearances and a Runner's Workshop to be Held Jan 12-14 in Orem, Ogden, and Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY - (January 10, 2006) - Organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon have announced plans for the official training program to kick off on January 14, 2006 for the 3rd annual Salt Lake City Marathon on Saturday, June 3, 2006 with Olympic medalist Rod Dixon, Olympian Nancy Ditz and Coach Pat Connelly. Rod and Pat will speak to groups on January 12th in Orem, while Rod, Nancy and Pat will speak on the 13th in Ogden. The training seminars will culminate in a comprehensive Runner's Workshop at the Salt Lake City Center Marriott from 10:00am - 1:00pm on Saturday, January 14. Mayor Rocky Anderson will join the Workshop at noon.

Registration for the seminars is free - an RSVP is required by calling (801) 412-6060 or email: nhubbard@devineracing.com.

The 20-week fee-based training program is supported and directed by Salt Lake Running Company and the Salt Lake City Track Club. Registration will be available and full program details will be announced at the training seminars in January. The cost of the training program is $30 and includes an official in-training t-shirt, Fazoli's coupons, a 50+ page manual, monthly training seminars, free admission to the Salt Lake City Roadrunners Training Runs, monthly presentations with experts on training, nutrition, equipment, hydration, sports medicine, a Salt Lake City Marathon goodie bag, the ability to register for the marathon at a reduced rate of $70 and more.

Rod Dixon, Devine Racing's Director of Training, was a 1972 Olympic bronze medalist whose come-from-behind win at the 1983 New York City Marathon is one of the most memorable in history. Rod will oversee the specialized training program by offering "professional marathon training for the everyday athlete." Over the course of the marathon training course, he will bring in legendary marathon runners and experts in sports medicine, training and nutrition. Flamboyant, funny and always a media darling, Rod is one of the pioneers of his sport.

Coach Pat Connelly will be joining Rod Dixon at all speaking engagements Pat Connelly's success as a coach reaches beyond the competitive arena and includes guiding thousands of amateur runners through marathons around the world. He has taken over 27,000 runners from "Novice to Natural" during the last 16 years, generating an astounding 99.0% finishing rate with an average of 48% being first-time marathoners. His published book on running is titled, "Go the Distance."

Nancy Ditz, will join the group in Ogden on the 13th and the Runner's Workshop on the 14th. She was a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team in the marathon (17th place). She also represented the United States at the 1987 IAAF World Outdoor Championships (7th place), the 1985 World Cup Marathon and the 1985-86 World 15K Championships where she earned team bronze medals. Ms. Ditz has won events in Australia (three-time City to Surf champion) and Japan (Miyazaki 20K) as well as the Los Angeles Marathon and San Francisco Bay to Breakers 12K.

Organizers of the third annual Salt Lake City Marathon announced that the entire weekend of events is being moved to Saturday, June 3, 2006. A half-marathon will be added to accommodate those runners that want to participate but may not be ready for a full marathon or for those training for late summer or fall marathons. Online registration is available at SaltLakeCityMarathon.com or call (801) 412-6060.

About the Salt Lake City Marathon
Salt Lake City Marathon has become one of the most spectacular new marathons on the endurance racing circuit. The Salt Lake City Marathon was among 12 new favorites listed by Runner's World in the 2005 Marathon Guide in their January article: "Small Wonders: Big Fun, Big Scenery, Big Rewards." January's Competitor Magazine and Rocky Mountain Sports Magazine both tout Salt Lake City as the "Best Race at Altitude." Top runners from around the world will enjoy mild running weather in June, in a setting that surrounds them with still snow-capped peaks contrasting with late spring blossoms, all along a flat and slightly downhill 26.2 mile course.

About Devine Racing
The Devine Racing offices are located at 136 E South Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. For race information, contact Greg Reid, Race Director at (801) 412-6060. Devine Racing was created to acquire and oversee prestigious amateur athletic events in major destination cities, particularly marathons, triathlons and road races. With a goal of acquiring premier running events, the intent is to build them into the most well-respected running events in the world. Devine Racing focuses on enhancing the participant experience, building an entire weekend of spectacular events from fitness expos to major post race concerts designed to celebrate the accomplishments of the athletes. Devine Racing launched the Salt Lake City Marathon in April of 2004 and now owns the "New" Las Vegas Marathon and the Los Angeles Marathon. Other recently acquired events include The Chicago Half Marathon and Chicago's new highly successful Chicago Big 10K. Steve Miller serves as CEO, Chris Devine as Chairman, Bruce Buzil is Vice Chairman and Scott Kerr is the Vice President of Race Operations. The privately held company was established in 2003.

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.