Press Release - 21 Run Salute - 8/4/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                           Media Contact: Shirley Pratt
                                          Marathoner / Principal Fundraiser
                                          ,
                                          http://www.21RunSalute.org 


Marathoner to Run for Troops: Orlando woman plans to run 21 marathons in 
nine months to raise funds for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 
(TAPS) and Operation USO Care Package. 

ORLANDO, FL (PRWEB) August 4, 2004 –- Orlando runner Shirley Pratt plans to 
run 21 full marathons in nine months to honor and support U.S. armed forces 
involved in the global war on terrorism. Her 21 Run Salute campaign will 
span 20 different states and Washington D.C., and raise money for two 
charities, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the 
Operation USO Care Package. Pratt will begin running marathons every one to 
two weeks starting in September, 2004, until Memorial Day weekend, 2005. 

Pratt, 42, is a long-time runner who began running marathons only last year 
but has already run 12 marathons and won several awards. She is a certified 
group fitness instructor, running coach, and second degree Black Belt 
martial artist.  
 
“Running 21 marathons in nine months will be a challenge, but our troops 
and their families are the ones enduring incredible hardships and making 
real sacrifices on our behalf,” says Pratt. “Each race is dedicated to 
service members from the state or area of the country where the race is 
being held. I’m happy to accept contributions of any size knowing that 
thousands of small contributions can accomplish a lot for our troops and 
their families, as well as larger corporate donations. And if anyone else 
would like to run for our troops, I’ve come up with a way they can do that 
as well.” 

Having found no major charity teams running for the troops, Pratt has 
organized this effort on her own and is also forming virtual running teams 
who together will run 21 races (any distance) to complete their own 21 Run 
Salute. Funds raised by the 21 Run Salute campaign will help families of 
service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their 
country and raise the morale of troops who are in harms way now. For more 
information or to donate, visit www.21RunSalute.org.


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