Posted: August 9, 2007

Athletics: Wheaties Fuels Runners at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic

MINNEAPOLIS--Wheaties® cereal, The Breakfast of Champions, will be fueling runners at Sunday’s LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic, the oldest road race in Chicago. The Breakfast of Champions teamed up with John Bingham Racing to provide complimentary training programs for 2,500 race participants and will be in Grant Park serving Wheaties to refuel runners as they cross the finish line. The route, for the scenic half-marathon, follows a course along the lake front and through the city, providing avid runners the perfect warm-up for upcoming fall marathons. A post race celebration in Grant Park where runners can refuel with a Wheaties breakfast is a key part of the first year sponsorship activation. Wheaties is made with 100% whole grain wheat, is a good source of fiber and is low in fat. A recent study revealed that a bowl of Wheaties and fat-free milk is effective in boosting post-exercise muscle recovery. “We’re excited to be part of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon and to have been part of the training program for many of the runners in this historic, 30-year old Chicago race,” said Dave Wilson, Wheaties marketing. “A Wheaties breakfast is a great choice for an active, healthy lifestyle, helping to jumpstart your metabolism, power up your day and set you up to hit the ground running.” Wheaties partnered with endurance athlete and running coach, Jenny Hadfield, and columnist and best-selling author, John “The Penguin” Bingham, to provide the customized plans to 2500 race participants at all fitness levels. The plans include electronic training logs, mileage guides, workout programs and daily emails with coach’s training tips as well as Wheaties nutritional tips. ”This was the perfect partnership for Jenny and me, and for John Bingham Racing,” says Runner’s World columnist John “the Penguin” Bingham. “The wonderful Wheaties’ message supports everything that we do to help participants of all ages and abilities achieve their dream of becoming champion athletes whether they are the first or final finisher.” The race begins and ends in Grant Park, starting at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 12. To get more information on the race go to www.chicagodistanceclassic.com. Wheaties is sponsoring two additional races in the Chicago area, the Banco Popular Half Marathon on September 9 and the Walter Payton 16,726 Yard Run on September 16. Training programs will be available to race participants and a post race Wheaties breakfast will be served to runners at the finish lines. About Wheaties, “The Breakfast of Champions” Launched in 1924, Wheaties is the No. 1 whole-grain wheat flaked breakfast cereal in the country. The brand began its association with sports in the mid-1930s with a sign on the left field wall at Nicollet Park near downtown Minneapolis. General Mills’ broadcast deal with the minor league Minneapolis Millers on WCCO Radio included the large signboard that Wheaties would use to introduce its new ad slogan: “Wheaties—The Breakfast of Champions.” From that rather humble beginning, Wheaties has built a heritage that includes many of the greatest athletes of all time. Learn more at www.wheaties.com. The Breakfast Of Champions® And Wheaties® Are Registered Trademarks Of General Mills. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest