FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Walmart Announces Support Of Williams Route 66 Marathon
More than 9,000 participants to take to Route 66 on Nov. 21, 2010
Tulsa, Okla. (Nov. 10, 2010) – The directors of Tulsa Route 66 Marathon,
Inc., are pleased to announce the Walmart Foundation's support of the
Williams Route 66 Marathon Health and Fitness Expo, presented by St. John
Health System. The Williams Route 66 Marathon, held on Nov. 21, 2010,
benefits the Tulsa Area United Way.
The marathon, in its fifth year, will host 9,000 participants with an
expected economic impact of just over $5 million. Registration is up 30
percent from last year's events. Races include the marathon, half
marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and one-mile fun run.
Through the State Giving Program, the Walmart Foundation is donating funds
to support the Health and Fitness Expo. The expo will host over 60
exhibitors featuring running gear and shoes, as well as sports and fitness
related items. Health and fitness professionals will also be present to
perform health screening tests and fitness assessments. Children's flu
shots, offered by the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, will be available on
Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. These free flu shots are open to
individuals age 18 years and under. Walmart will also provide flu shots
for adults for a fee, but will accept many forms of insurance, which could
make the shots free for qualifying attendees.
"We're proud to support such a worthy cause and give back to the
community," said Candice Smith, senior public affairs manager for Walmart.
"At Walmart, we strive to be a good neighbor and to benefit the communities
where we operate. We make the majority of our charitable donations at the
local level, where we can have the greatest and most positive impact. "
The expo is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, and 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Tulsa Convention Center. Walmart's
support will allow for additional features and speakers at the expo,
especially in the areas of environmental sustainability. Packet pickup for
all participants and volunteers is also located at the expo. The two-day
expo is free and open to the public.
"The Walmart Foundation's support through the State Giving Program is a
shining example of the company's commitment to health and wellness in Tulsa
and the surrounding area," said Chris Lieberman, executive director of
Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc. "We are proud to partner with the Walmart
Foundation during the fifth anniversary of the marathon to teach our more
than 20,000 attendees to live healthier lives for themselves and for our
planet."
Race week events include the two-day expo, and Tulsa area restaurants,
hotels and retail stores are welcoming visitors by wearing special marathon
shirts and buttons and placing signs in their storefronts. Businesses
interested in welcoming runners to Tulsa can e-mail
to receive this special gear. Finally, Spaghetti
Warehouse and Cain's Ballroom present the Pasta Dinner on Saturday, Nov.
20, where the annual Kjell Tovander award will be presented to an
inspirational runner.
Race day events include a post race party and classic car show. All
participants in the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay will receive
a newly-designed Route 66 Marathon medal, and the St. John Kids Club will
present all participants age 16 and under with a special kids medal.
About the Williams Route 66 Marathon
The 2010 Williams Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Okla., is set for Sunday,
Nov. 21, 2010, and the 2011 Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon is Saturday,
Oct. 15, 2011. Events are held annually the Sunday before Thanksgiving and
third to last Saturday in October, respectively. The fifth anniversary of
the Williams Route 66 Marathon weekend includes a two-day health and
fitness expo, pasta dinner, marathon, half marathon, five-person marathon
relay, 5K run/walk, and a one-mile fun run/walk. Post-race festivities
include concerts and a classic car show. To learn more about the events,
sponsoring, training or volunteering, please e-mail
, call (918) 409-2828, or visit
www.route66marathon.com and www.quartermarathon.com.
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