Posted: May 16, 2007

Athletics (RWire): ING Introduces Orange Laces to San Francisco for 2007 ING Bay to Breakers

Orange Laces program to help in the fight against childhood obesity SAN FRANCISCO - (May 14, 2007) - The Orange Laces first appeared on the shoes of runners and spectators on the streets of New York City in November 2006. Then it was Miami in January 2007. Then Atlanta in March 2007. Now, for the 96th running of the ING Bay to Breakers, ING's trendy and celebrated Orange Laces have swept their way across the country and are ready to be laced onto the shoes of San Franciscan runners and spectators alike - all for the cause of helping kids embrace an active and healthy lifestyle. "Since we started the ING Run For Something Better in 2003, ING has introduced thousands of children across the country to fitness as a way of life," said Toby Hoden, chief marketing officer, ING US Financial Services. "Over the years, the kids participating in the ING Run For Something Better have run enough miles to reach the moon (distance to the moon approx. 238,000 miles), but our vision for this program extends way beyond the moon. Kids fitness is one of the most significant health concerns facing our country today - and educating kids about the importance of living an active life is the cornerstone of ING's marathon platform." "I will be wearing my Orange Laces proudly," said Tommy Greenless, a Physical Education teacher from Walnut Creek, Calif., who is also an elite runner competing in the ING Bay to Breakers on Sunday, May 20 and the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials later in 2007. "Supporting kids fitness is a great cause and the ING Run For Something Better is an effective way to help kids understand and embrace the importance of physical fitness." ING has partnered with the San Francisco Unified School District to bring its ING Run For Something Better program to more than 1,000 seventh graders from 10 middle schools. The free, school-based running program aims to reduce childhood obesity by introducing kids to the benefits of running, a habit of physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices. "The ING Run For Something Better is one of the most successful fitness programs the San Francisco Unified School District has introduced in recent years," said Trish Bascom, associate superintendent, Student Support Services, San Francisco Unified School District. "We are challenging the kids every week to stretch themselves while learning how much fun it is to be active and make exercise part of their daily routine. We have ambitious goals for the students in San Francisco and are confident we can reach those goals because of the support of ING and the structure of ING Run For Something Better program." During their 13 week running program, each student ran a total of approximately 150 miles. In addition, the students learned about all aspects of the sport - from proper stretching to competitive strategy to healthy nutrition. The program culminates with a 4K race on Thursday, May 17, in Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park. "ING's Orange Laces program is a unique way for everyone in the community to get involved in supporting fitness programs for children," Hoden said. "It was successful in New York, Miami and Atlanta with thousands of people lacing up their shoes to show they are tied to supporting fit kids. We are encouraging everyone in San Francisco - whether they are running the race or cheering - to donate and wear their orange laces as a visible indicator of support for healthy and active kids." When a $10 donation is made at OrangeLaces.com, runners and spectators alike can help support the ING Run For Something Better program by making donations that will directly benefit San Francisco kids. Everyone who donates $10 or more will get a special pair of orange shoelaces to wear in support of being "tied" to youth running. Donations can be made at OrangeLaces.com, the ING Greater Body Expo and ING Footstock. Contact: Dana Ripley, ING, (770) 980-4865 or dana.ripley@us.ing.com. Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest