Posted: April 11, 2006

Athletics: Foot Locker County Challenge Competitors Selected

Five runners selected to represent their counties in the Country Music Marathon

NASHVILLE, April 11, 2006 -- What do a financial analyst, singer, real estate broker, disc jockey and a college student all have in common? A love for running, of course. This diverse mix of runners, one each from Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner and Wilson counties will put their skills to the ultimate test as they vie for the Foot Locker County Challenge title presented by Reebok at the 2006 Country Music Marathon on Saturday, April 29.

Each athlete was selected by Foot Locker as a representative of their community for this special "race within the race." The first runner from the group to cross the marathon finish line will become the Foot Locker County Challenge Champion, winning a Tiffany trophy, two round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines, a two-night stay at the Hilton Nashville Downtown, an Epiphone guitar and the chance to meet country music star Phil Vassar at the post-race concert the night of the marathon.

"We're excited to be part of the seventh annual Country Music Marathon to highlight the perseverance and dedication of the average marathon runner," said Chad Smoak, vice president, retail brand marketing for Foot Locker, U.S.A. "We've chosen these runners to represent their communities and to create excitement for the marathon throughout Tennessee."

All of the runners, who each average a nine-minute mile, were strangers until they were selected for the Foot Locker County Challenge. In the weeks leading up to the marathon, the competitors, diverse in age and running experience, will meet to train, lend support and trade running tips.

"The Challenge offers runners a unique experience," said Smoak. "It's amazing to see the bond that forms between the runners, regardless of their differences in age and background."

The competitors were selected through a three-step application process. First, written applications were submitted at Foot Locker locations around Nashville and on-line at the Country Music Marathon web site. From these submissions, several runners from each county were interviewed over the phone. Finally, in-person interviews were conducted to determine the five runners who would compete for the coveted County Challenge title. The decisions were based on several criteria including county residency and running background.

The 2006 Foot Locker County Challenge competitors are:

Davidson County
Charlie Canon, 28, Nashville - Financial Analyst, Outpatient Imaging Affiliates
Charlie is known to his family and friends as "Diesel" or "Bad Boy" and he is a military brat. His father served 28 years in the military, including two tours in Vietnam. Charlie is extremely proud of his Dad. Because of his father's military background, his family moved often, which Charlie believes made him appreciate the little things life has to offer. His family calls Alabama home, more specific Enterprise, Alabama - which for all you trivial buffs is the only town in the world that has a statue dedicated to an insect - Boll Weevil. "I am tenacious about running. It is my sole existence outside of my family and work, and my balance in life." Charlie has run a half marathon and two Country Music Marathons. He is affable, outgoing and an all around nice guy who married his college Nashville sweetheart and together have a beautiful 4-year-old son, Eli.

Williamson County
Tim Henning, 34, Spring Hill - Singer - Christian group Evidence
Tim has run in three marathons - all three have been the Country Music Marathon. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Tim has lived in Nashville for the past seven years. He is married, with one daughter and another baby due in September. Growing up, Tim's favorite movie was Rocky. His favorite scene was when Rocky would run in the streets and all the kids would follow behind. When Rocky took off sprinting, there was one kid determined to keep up with him, and Tim wants to be that kid. Tim says that kid is still alive in him today. "I will finish strong, and maybe I won't win, but I will run like I am going to win because I have special people in my life waiting for me just before I finish - my lovely wife with my little girl who will receive their patented kiss from me before I finish."

Sumner County
Oliver Barry, 52, Hendersonville - Real Estate Broker
Oliver has run three marathons. Throughout Hendersonville, Oliver is known as the "Master of Long Distance." At the age of 39, Oliver decided to get back in shape and 13 years later, he is in better shape than he was in college. Oliver is married and has three daughters and one son. "My morning runs help me to stay mellow throughout the day, they give me the drive to conquer each day." Oliver enjoys training for marathons and enjoys the challenges each race has to offer him. In addition to running, Oliver has a passion for teaching. He teaches spin classes two times a week and educates future brokers on real estate business.

Wilson County
Suzanne Thunder, 48, Mount Juliet - Disc Jockey
Suzanne has run in five marathons, including three Country Music Marathons. Suzanne is a mom, a runner and a DJ. She emulates the passion many runners have today. She loves to run, loves to talk about running and believes that at any age you can be a great runner. Her passion is very contagious and it is a good bet that our four other runners also share her love of running. "You'll never meet a person more in love with running than I am. Running has made me a better person." One of the many things she loves about running this marathon is the support she receives from all the Nashvillians out on the road cheering her on. As much as she loves to run, she is a true competitor; she finishes every race in a sprint because every finish is another accomplishment.

Rutherford County
Nancy Johnson, 20, Murfreesboro - Student at Middle Tennessee State University
This will be Nancy's first marathon. She is excited about participating in the Country Music Marathon because she is a Nashviallian. Nancy is in the ROTC program at MTSU, studying to be a nurse. She acquired the running bug through her father, who has run many marathons including the Country Music Marathon. Nancy loves to be around people and is a firm believer in teamwork. "Working with a team motivates me to succeed." Nancy is emotionally motivated to finish this marathon, making "I know I can do it" her motto.

About Foot Locker, Inc.
Foot Locker is part of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty retailer that operates approximately 4,000 stores in 20 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. Through its athletic group of specialty retail stores, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports, as well as its direct-to-consumer channel footlocker.com, the Company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.

About Country Music Marathon & ˝ Marathon
Produced by Elite Racing, Inc. The Country Music Marathon & ˝ Marathon will attract over 20,000 runners and 100,000 spectators. Runners and walkers from Team In Training (TNT) will raise approximately $2.5 million on race day for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®, which has raised over $12 million in its six-year history with the Nashville-based event.

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