FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston Marathon Committee Joins International Institute for Race Medicine
HOUSTON (November 6, 2013) – The Houston Marathon Committee (HMC) announced
on Wednesday that the HMC has joined the International Institute for Race
Medicine (IIRM), becoming the first official member of the organization.
Formerly known as the Association for Road Race Medicine (AARMS), the IIRM
is an international collective of medical professionals with the goal of
furthering research, education and best practices in marathons and other
endurance road races throughout the world.
"The Houston Marathon Committee has been a part of the International
Institute for Race Medicine since its inception," said Chevron Houston
Marathon Medical Director John Cianca, M.D., who contributed to the
development of the Institute. "This commitment of funds to IIRM is another
way in which HMC is dedicating itself to the advancement of race medicine
and to the safety of all participants. We hope this will inspire other
races to join us and in so doing make it possible for IIRM to fulfill its
mission."
The Houston Marathon Foundation (HMF), whose mission includes supporting
health education and safety initiatives in the industry, has also donated
$6,600 to support the growth and success of the IRRM. These proceeds were
donated to the HMF by Runner's High Club, a local race organization that
conducted the inaugural Alaina Dixon 5 Miler and 2 Mile Walk on September
2nd of this year. The race was conducted in honor of Dixon and named for
the Houston runner who suffered cardiac arrest on the finish line of the
2011 Chevron Houston Marathon. Thanks to the life-saving efforts of medical
personnel on the finish line, Dixon was revived and her life was saved.
"The Houston Marathon Foundation supports the IIRM because of their
innovative thinking and research that benefits community based running
related health initiatives," said Foundation Board President Maddie Bunch.
"We are proud to support this organization through the efforts of Gary
Mulvihill and Runner's High Club."
The Foundation also recently funded an educational video featuring Dixon in
conjunction with the City of Houston, Houston Fire Department, and the
Office of Emergency Management for the HMC that teaches hands-only CPR.
This cause is close to the heart of the organization after HMC and HMF
Board of Director David Chester lost consciousness at a local track and was
revived by hands-only CPR.
About the International Institute for Race Medicine
The International Institute for Race Medicine, (IIRM) has been established
to act as a resource for all medical professionals, including: physicians,
nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers, EMS personnel, physician
assistants, and others who work or volunteer at marathons, half marathons,
10K, triathlons and charity runs. Their goal is to ensure that every event
and medical staff have accurate medical information and guidelines, that
will improve their athlete's experience.
For more information on the International Institute for Race Medicine,
visit http://racemedicine.org/.
About the Houston Marathon Foundation
The mission of the Houston Marathon Foundation is to support the
advancement of running as an element of a balanced, healthy lifestyle in
the Houston community and nationally. The Houston Marathon Foundation is a
community organization with local roots. HMF serves the greater Houston
area through program management and support of organizations that
demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program
integrity while promoting an understanding of, access to, and/or
participation in running as part of a physical fitness regimen.
For more information on the Houston Marathon Foundation, visit
http://www.houstonmarathonfoundation.com/.
About the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc.
Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC), a Running
USA Founding Member, annually organizes the nation's premier winter
marathon, half-marathon, and 5K. Over 250,000 participants, volunteers and
spectators make Chevron Houston Marathon Race Day the largest single-day
sporting event in Houston. Race Weekend generates over $50 million in
economic impact for the region annually. In 2013, the Run For a Reason
Charity Program raised $2.2 million and the HMC garnered Gold Certification
from the Council of Responsible Sport for industry-leading sustainability
initiatives. Host to 12 U.S. Half Marathon Championships since 2005 and
the 1992 women's Olympic Trials Marathon, HMC conducted the
nationally-televised 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, which featured men
and women competing on the same course simultaneously for the first time,
vying for the chance to represent Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games.
For more information, visit www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or call
713.957.3453.
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