You Are Invited to Cover the 2002 National Distance Running Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The 2002 National Distance Running Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony not only pays tribute to four nationally acclaimed figures in distance running — Bill Bowerman, Doris Brown Heritage, John J. Kelley, and Browning Ross

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Posted Thursday, 4 July, 2002

Media Alert

You Are Invited to Cover the 2002 National Distance Running Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Saturday, July 13, 5:00 p.m.
Stanley Performing Arts Center
259 Genesee Street, Utica, NY

The 2002 National Distance Running Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony not only pays tribute to four nationally acclaimed figures in distance running - Bill Bowerman, Doris Brown Heritage, John J. Kelley, and Browning Ross - it's also a professionally produced event designed to entertain the whole family. With a program that features Emmy Award-winning emcee Larry Rawson of ESPN and the national anthem performed by world-renowned soprano Colleen Gaetano, the ceremony is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Opening with a review of the Hall's history and an appreciation of what being an honoree means to its inductees, the evening will feature the induction of the Hall's Class of 2002 and several award presentations, including: the Suzy Komen Award, being presented to Bev Veals; the Bill Bowerman Coaching Award, being presented to Bill Squires; and the George Sheehan Award for Outstanding Journalistic Contributions to the Sport of Distance Running, being presented to Kenny Moore. Many past inductees will also be participating, including Ted Corbitt, Frank Shorter, Kathrine Switzer, Bill Rodgers, and Nina Kuscik. The ceremony will conclude with an autograph signing session with Heritage and Kelley.

Admission to the ceremony is free, and "running casual" attire is welcomed. The first 2,000 guests through the door will receive a free commemorative poster created by artist Andy Yelenak. Yelenak, whose paintings have been exhibited at the Society of Illustrators in New York and the Sports Art Gallery in Dallas, also created the official 1997 and 1998 Boston Marathon Lithographs, the 2001 NYC Marathon posters, and the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Hartford Marathon posters.

The induction ceremony is part of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame's annual Hall of Fame Weekend, which also features the nation's largest 15K road race, the Boilermaker. The Boilermaker consistently attracts elite runners from all over the world, including Olympians and world record holders, and features distance running's most enthusiastic fans, as well as the sport's most enjoyable post-race party, hosted at the F.X Matt Brewing Company. The Boilermaker celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. For registration information, call 315-797-5838 or visit the official Boilermaker web site at www.boilermaker.com.

Contact: Gina Palumbo, Trainor Associates, 315-797-7970, gpalumbo@trainor.com

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