Press Release - SunTrust National Marathon - 6/30/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

       4th Annual SunTrust National Marathon Announces Holiday Sale
                "Celebrate Freedom" Sale to Start July 4th

Washington, DC - The Greater Washington Sports Alliance announced today 
that online registration for the 2009 SunTrust National Marathon and Half 
Marathon will begin at 12:01 am (EST), July 4th, 2008.  The "Celebrate 
Freedom" sale is a one week registration period with marathon prices set 
for $60 and $50 for the half marathon. Runners can register at 
www.nationalmarathon.com. The sale ends at 11:59 pm (EST) on July 11th.

"I look at our holiday sale as a reward for those willing to commit to our 
event early," said Keith Dowling, Race Director of the SunTrust National 
Marathon. "With the popularity of our event growing each year, we've seen a 
loyal following take advantage of the discount while securing a spot on our 
start line. It's the best of both worlds." 

Already established as the second fastest annually held marathon in the 
country behind the venerable Boston Marathon, the SunTrust National 
Marathon gets an extra boost as 2009 marks the first time in event's 
history that the route does not change from the previous year. The 
consistency is another step toward creating a tradition worthy of a city 
already rich in history and culture.

"The Greater Washington Sports Alliance is proud to continue the tradition 
of connecting a meaningful sporting event to District residents," said 
Sports Alliance President Robert Sweeney. "This race has rapidly become a 
powerful annual tradition showcasing DC civic pride and has highlighted our 
mission of supporting youth organizations." 

To further connect into the District's core, the Junior Monumental Milers 
Program (JuMMP) has made great strides since last year's pilot program. 
JuMMP is run-walk program where over 13,000 youth, ages 8 to 12, will 
achieve 26.2 miles over a 23 week period. The 2009 JuMMP initiative has 
expanded to include programming within DC Public Schools, YMCA, and Boys & 
Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. The program will begin September 17th 
and will end on February 27th, with a culmination ceremony taking place at 
the SunTrust National Marathon on March 21, 2009. 


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