Press Release - Road Runner Akron Marathon - 10/2/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               Running Legend Kathrine Switzer Awarded 
       Road Runner Akron Marathon's Inaugural Ambassador Award 

AKRON, Ohio, October 2, 2008 – As part of the events surrounding this 
year's Road Runner Akron Marathon, race organizers presented running legend 
Kathrine Switzer with the inaugural Ambassador Award. The award will be 
given annually to individuals that demonstrate superior service and 
dedication to the sport of running.
 
"This award is for those who have earned respect within their community for 
their exceptional accomplishments, and we are honored to present the 
inaugural award to Kathrine Switzer," said Dave Hunter, Road Runner Akron 
Marathon Course Co-Chair.

Switzer made history when she became the first female to run and finish the 
Boston Marathon in 1967 before it was legal for women to participate. While 
at the Boston Marathon, Switzer was attacked by the race director when he 
found out she was on the course.

"He went crazy and told me to get the hell off his course and give him his 
number back. My boyfriend at the time intervened, and although I was shaken 
up, I continued and ended up finishing the race," said Switzer. After the 
Boston Marathon, Switzer went on to complete 35 marathons and won the New 
York City Marathon in 1974.

Beyond making history in 1967, Switzer has a long list of accomplishments 
that illustrate her dedication to the sport. She was the official 
spokeswoman and announcer for this year's 2008 USA Women's 8 km 
Championship. Switzer was recognized as one of the Visionaries of the 
Century in 2000 by Runner's World Magazine. She is also among the first 
class of inductees into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.

"What thrills me the most about this award is that it is given to me by my 
peers," said Switzer. "That says a lot. The other thing is that this isn't 
an award for crashing the Boston Marathon. This is an award for the dreams 
and lifetime of work that followed that."

The selection committee for the Road Runner Akron Marathon Ambassador Award 
consists of representatives from associate communities. The Akron Marathon 
Charitable Corporation Board of Directors presents the award.

The Road Runner Akron Marathon is organized by the Akron Marathon 
Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated to promoting 
health and fitness. Additional information on the Road Runner Akron 
Marathon, Half Marathon and Chase Team Relays is available at 
www.akronmarathon.org or by calling (330) 375-2786 (2RUN).

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