Posted: March 13, 2006

Athletics: Rodale Adds Runner's World Italy to Its International Portfolio

Title Marks Tenth Edition as Runner's World Brand Expands Its "Collective Voice"

NEW YORK - (March 8, 2006) - Rodale Inc., the authoritative source of expert content in health and wellness worldwide, has launched Runner's World Italy under sub-license by the Italian Mondadori-Rodale joint venture to Edisport Editoriale, it was announced by Gianni Crespi, President of Rodale International. The title has launched with a print run of 140,000 copies. This marks the tenth edition in 11 countries, reaching 3.6 million readers worldwide.

"The launch of Runner's World Italy continues the phenomenal worldwide growth of this iconic brand," said Crespi. "Runner's World is steadily expanding into important, vibrant markets around the globe. While doing so, it is taking great measures to ensure that it continues to speak with one collective and authoritative voice to readers, endemic companies and potential advertisers who have come to expect the highest level of service journalism and expert commentary for which the magazine is renowned."

"We are excited to partner with Rodale, and are committed to building the Runner's World brand," said Piero Bacchetti, president and owner of Edisport Editoriale, a highly successful 91-year-old publisher with a portfolio of 15 magazines. "Runner's World Italy will be the first magazine in Italy to offer information and inspiration to runners of all levels in order to achieve their personal health, fitness and performance goals, making this a much-anticipated launch in the Italian marketplace."

Runner's World first established itself as a global brand in 1993, with the launch of editions in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Today, with the launch of Runner's World Italy, the brand boasts ten editions in 11 countries - Australia/New Zealand, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States - and is recognized as the authority on running information worldwide.

As part of Runner's World's new shoe-testing initiative, the "Editor's Choice Award"™ Seal of Approval Program has been re-launched to reflect the brand's increasingly global collaboration. Now runners in Italy and all around the world can look for the International Editor's Choice seal as a way to help them find the best shoe for their needs.

The Italian edition will also benefit from the experience of editor Marco Marchei, 51, who holds a long and impressive history in running. Marchei placed fourth in the 1978 New York City Marathon and second in the 1980 Boston Marathon. As a member of Italy's national team, he competed in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics in Moscow and Los Angeles, respectively. He ran his marathon PR of 2:11:47 at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki. He has served as the editorial director of several running and sports-and-fitness titles for the past 15 years.

About Rodale's Runner's World
Recognized as the worldwide authority on running information, the mission of Rodale's Runner's World is to inform, advise and motivate runners of all ages and abilities. Runner's World's companion website RunnersWorld.co is the largest running community on the Internet, featuring interactive, searchable and targeted content for runners of all ages and abilities.

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.

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