FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Team McGraw Gets Set to Strike Music City
"Bowling for Brains" Warm-Up Party to Kickoff Charity Efforts
Nashville, Tenn. (March 5, 2009) – The Tug McGraw Foundation (TMF), founded
in honor of legendary pitcher Tug McGraw to fund quality of life research
on behalf of brain tumor patients, today announced its return to the
Country Music Marathon & Half Marathon on Saturday, April 25. Team McGraw,
an endurance sports training program that raises money and increases
awareness for the Foundation, will host a warm-up party to celebrate its
marathon runners Friday, April 24 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Tusculum Lanes
in Nashville. The bowling party is open to all Country Music Marathon and
Half Marathon runners. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.tugmcgraw.org for $10 to $25.
"We are grateful to the Competitor Group and all the athletes who have
joined Team McGraw and devoted their efforts to quality of life awareness
and research for brain tumor patients," said country superstar Tim McGraw,
honorary chairman of the Tug McGraw Foundation. "Kicking off our 2009
season here in Nashville with the Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon
is a thrill, and we are excited to see so many dedicated new runners
joining our running alumni to take on Music City."
Runners will not want to miss this exciting event to celebrate with Team
McGraw in Nashville the night before the 10th Annual Country Music
Marathon. The evening will include bowling, an incredible silent auction
featuring guitars signed by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, a "carb-out" pasta
and potato bar, as well as entertainment by the Warren Brothers, Lance
Miller, McGraw's road band the Dancehall Doctors and special guests to be
announced.
"This is the second year running at the Country Music Marathon and we
wanted to find a meaningful way to support the amazing efforts of our
runners and do something special in Nashville," said Jeff McMahon, keyboard
player for Tim McGraw's band, the Dancehall Doctors; a TMF board member;
and chairman of the Foundation's marathon program. "The warm-up bowling
event will be the perfect way to celebrate our participants' successes, and
we're thrilled to see more people get engaged in our Foundation's mission
every day."
Team McGraw was an official charity at the ING Philadelphia Distance Run in
September 2008. With the support of Tug's former Philly teammates, Greg
Luzinski and Larry Christenson, Team McGraw's run in Philadelphia was a
huge success for participants and the Foundation's research fund.
Space is limited for the bowling party and tickets can be purchased online
at www.tugmcgraw.org for $10 to $25. Sponsorship opportunities are also
available.
Featuring many of Nashville's best live bands on 28 stages along the 26.2
and 13.1-mile courses, on Saturday, April 25, 2009, the Country Music
Marathon & Half Marathon will celebrate its 10th anniversary with over
30,000 runners and walkers. The race is internationally recognized as the
ultimate tour of Music City, USA. The course features historic sites like
the Parthenon, Nashville's world-renowned Music Row and an expansive finish
line festival outside the Tennessee Titan's home, LP Field, located along
the Cumberland River.
For more information about running with Team McGraw, including registration
details and information on a special discount for Team McGraw runners,
please visit www.tugmcgraw.org.
About the Tug McGraw Foundation
The Tug McGraw Foundation was established to raise funds for pioneering
brain tumor research, increase public awareness of the disease, and support
students who exemplify leadership and Tug's inspiring "Ya Gotta Believe"
spirit. Brain tumors are the leading cause of death from solid tumors in
children under age 20 and the third leading cause of all cancer deaths in
young adults ages 20 to 39. Over the past 10 years, brain tumor research
has advanced significantly, yet the reality of living with a brain tumor
remains the same. Brain tumors may alter thought, emotion, memory, movement
and language. Quality of life research is recognized as a needed component
of brain tumor care. For more information about the Tug McGraw Foundation,
please visit www.tugmcgraw.org.
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