FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelty Sponsors Marathon Runner Tony Stafford
And His Attempt To Shatter A World Record
Stafford plans to beat the current marathon record for carrying a 40-pound
pack this April in the 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial Death March
BOULDER, COLO. - Kelty, backpack innovator since 1952, will sponsor
marathon runner Tony Stafford as he attempts to break the 20-year old world
record for running a marathon while carrying a 40-pound pack. Stafford's
attempt aims to benefit Outdoor Mindset, a Boulder, Colo.-based non-profit
working to unite and inspire those facing neurological challenges.
Working with Stafford to select and fit a pack that will enable him to
reach his goal, Kelty is proud to lend their support to such a worthwhile
endeavor while helping to support Outdoor Mindset. Further, Stafford's
Kelty pack will be loaded with 40-pounds of non-perishable food to be
donated to the Community Action Agency Food Bank, New Mexico's largest.
"When Tony approached us with his idea, we decided right away it was
something we wanted to be involved with," said Sue Timbo, marketing
director for Kelty. "This is a great opportunity to help a local athlete
support a local non-profit. Everybody wins in this situation."
Stafford will make his attempt during the Bataan Memorial Death March, an
annual event honoring World War II veterans who served in the Philippines.
This year's event is scheduled for March 27 and takes place at the White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The 26.2 mile course will wind its way
though the desert where hilly terrain and loose sand will add to the
challenge.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity to try and set a world record while
drawing much needed attention and funding for Outdoor Mindset," said
Stafford. "I'm also looking forward to working with Kelty. Their
reputation for creating first-in-class packs gives me confidence that I'll
have the equipment I will need to achieve my goal."
The current world record stands at 4hr 42min 44sec and was set in 1991
during the London Marathon. Stafford is on track to set the new record
below 4 hours.
Adding to the world record-setting excitement is a second marathoner with a
similar goal. England's Lee Riley will also attempt to break the current
record by running the London Marathon with a 40-pound pack on April 17,
2011, three weeks after Stafford's attempt.
To learn more about the Bataan Memorial Death March, please visit
www.bataanmarch.com. To support Stafford and his fund raising effort for
Outdoor Mindset, please visit www.crowdrise.com/bataandeathmarchmarathon/.
KELTY is based in Boulder, Colorado, and uses the natural backdrop of the
Rocky Mountains to test, create and continually innovate within their
diverse outdoor product families of Backcountry, Trail, Vintage, Lighting,
Basecamp and KIDS. Kelty combines the best in new technology with a healthy
dose of common sense to create exceptionally made, affordably priced
outdoor products. For more information on Kelty, please go to
www.kelty.com, or call 800.423.2320.
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