FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Team Gleason to Inspire, Raise Funds at
Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & 1/2
·Founded by former Saints player Steve Gleason, group is committed to
finding solutions for and ending ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease)
·Runners can participate for a cause by joining the Team Gleason Endurance
Challenge
·Pearl Jam's Mike McCready to perform the national anthem on behalf of Team
Gleason
New Orleans, LA – February 5, 2013 – For football fans in New Orleans,
former Saints player Steve Gleason has long been a hero. But in the years
since his retirement, Gleason's work off the field has continued to inspire
not only Saints fans, but thousands of others.
On Sunday, February 24th, members of Team Gleason will gather at the start
line of the 4th annual Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.
The organization will participate as an official charity of the race,
fundraising and raising awareness for Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS
(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Gleason was diagnosed with the incurable disease at just 34 years old. ALS
is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in
the brain and spinal cord and affects muscle function. Despite facing his
own struggles, he founded Team Gleason in 2011, shortly after his
diagnosis.
"Our mission is to make a difference for people living with neuromuscular
diseases and raise awareness, but we also want to show them that they can
thrive and accomplish things they never thought possible. Steve is living
proof of that," said Michel Gleason, Steve's wife. "Participating in this
13.1 or 26.2 mile journey is an inspiring way to make a difference and we
welcome runners to join the Team Gleason Endurance Challenge at the start
line in New Orleans."
Team Gleason Endurance Challenge participants will pledge to raise a
minimum of $500 that will benefit the Gleason Initiative Foundation and
will receive free race entry, a Team Gleason race jersey and entry into an
exclusive post-race dinner. They will also receive a training plan and
support from a coach. To sign up, visit www.teamgleason.org or
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans/charity.
"Steve's determination and drive to fight back against this disease is
awe-inspiring and we are honored to support Team Gleason in their mission
to change the future for ALS patients and their families," said Malain
McCormick, Event Director. "There is nothing more motivating than knowing
you are contributing to a cause greater than yourself and our participants
have shown that running can be an inspiring platform to take action."
The 2013 race will once again start on Poydras Street, where Pearl Jam's
Mike McCready, a member of Team Gleason, will perform the national anthem.
The course will take more than 18,000 runners along beautiful and historic
St. Charles Avenue, running out and back before touring the iconic French
Quarter and City Park. Marathon runners will scenic miles along Lakeshore
Drive and breathtaking views of Lake Pontchartrain, and both races will
finish on Roosevelt Mall behind the New Orleans Museum of Art, where the
Dirty Dozen Brass Band will kick off the post-race party. A two-person
half-marathon relay is also available.
Kids have the chance to get fit and have fun at ING KiDS ROCK New Orleans
on Saturday, February 23rd. The non-timed, non-competitive fun run for kids
in grades K-7 will take place in City Park and all participants receive a
T-shirt, goodie bag and finisher's medal. Registration and more information
can be found online at INGKiDSROCK.com.
Race weekend will kick off with the Health & Fitness Expo at the New
Orleans Morial Convention Center. The expo is free and open to the public
on Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23. More than 60 exhibitors
and retailers will feature the latest health and nutrition information with
a variety of products for sale and sample as well as free fitness related
clinics.
For more information on the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & 1/2
Marathon, please visit http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans.
About Team Gleason
Team Gleason's Gleason Initiative Foundation is a charitable 501c3
non-profit corporation with the mission to help provide individuals with
neuromuscular diseases or injuries with leading edge technology, equipment
and services. It also works to raise public awareness toward amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis "ALS" by providing and documenting extraordinary life
adventures for individuals with muscular diseases or injuries.
About Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans
The 4th annual Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will take
place on Sunday, February 24, 2013. The event is renowned for its fast,
flat course as the site of two U.S. all-comers' records. Runners get a
first class tour of historic New Orleans, rocking to the sounds of live,
local bands playing every mile of the 26.2 and 13.1 mile courses, along
with enthusiastic cheerleaders to keep participants moving. The event
concludes with a headliner concert and finish line festival in City Park. A
two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race weekend at the New Orleans
Morial Convention Center. The expo will feature more than 60 vendors
featuring the latest in running gear, nutrition and training tips. To
register for the race or for more information, visit
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans.
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