Posted: June 9, 2007

Athletics (RWire): Four-Time Boston and NYC Marathon Champion, Olympian Bill Rodgers to Speak, Participate in 2007 Lakefront Marathon

MILWAUKEE - Get ready, Milwaukee - a legendary runner is coming to town. Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon (LFM) has announced that Bill Rodgers, a four- time winner of both the New York City and Boston Marathons, and a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic team, will be attending the 2007 Lakefront Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 7 at 8:00am. Rodgers, affectionately known as "Boston Billy", will be at the pre-race expo at the MSOE Kern Center in downtown Milwaukee to speak to runners and provide tips for both first time participants and seasoned running veterans. He will also participate in the race on a relay team. "We're really excited that Bill Rodgers will be at this year's Lakefront Marathon," said Kristine Hinrichs, LFM race director. "Bill is one of the more accomplished runners in U.S. history, and we're thrilled that he's able to bring his marathon experiences to Milwaukee to share with our participants." This marks the second year that a well-known runner has come to speak at the event. Last year, Bart Yasso, editor of Runner's World and accomplished distance runner spoke several times at the Expo. "To be one of the finest races in the country, we continually look to bring in some of the more successful runners to share their experiences with the running community in Milwaukee," noted Hinrichs. As of May 31, the race is filling up at a record pace, even though for the first time in years, it shares the same date as the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Hinrich's believes that's to Milwaukee's advantage. "More and more runners are looking for a more personal, intimate race experience. Milwaukee's course and hospitality brings this to the table." 2007 marks the 27th anniversary of Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon, a scenic race that begins in Grafton, WI and winds along the northeastern suburbs of Milwaukee, finishing on Milwaukee's Lakefront at Veteran's Park. The volunteer organized event also features a 2-day expo at the MSOE Kern Center, held October 5-6, where runners can find the latest in equipment and nutritional tips and products from over 25 vendors from across the country, as well as hear expert speakers. The race is limited to the first 2,500 participants, as well as 140 relay teams. For more information on the event or to register, visit: www.badgerlandstriders.org/lakefront. 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