2006 Spirit of St. Louis Read, Right & Run Marathon™ Reaches Record Number
3,000 area students expected on April 8, 2006

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Posted Friday, 9 December, 2005

ST. LOUIS - (December 7, 2005) - Metro St. Louis elementary and middle schools are signing up in record numbers to participate in the Spirit of St. Louis Read, Right & Run Marathon™ - the nation's only fully integrated children's marathon as well as one of the largest children's fitness events in the country. The event is part of the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend™ to be held April 8-9, 2006.

The number of commitments from schools and students has far exceeded prior Read, Right & Run Marathon events. Seventy-six schools and two organizations have signed up thus far, with upwards of 3,000 students expected to participate in the race in 2006. The most recent Read, Right & Run Marathon drew 32 schools and organizations with 1,000 students. The Read, Right & Run Marathon debuted in 2001 with 400 students.

Of particular note is the importance that the St. Louis Public Schools has placed on this unique program as a record 17 schools, 20% of all elementary & middle schools, have registered for the 2006 event. Dr. Creg Williams, Superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools has agreed to be the 2006 Read, Right & Run Marathon's Honorary Chairman.

The Read, Right & Run Marathon, taking place on Saturday, April 8, 2006 during the Multi Generational Family Day in Forest Park, challenges students in grades K-8 to read 26 books, right the community by performing 26 good deeds and run a combined total of 26.2 miles. Students complete their "marathon" on Family Day when elementary school students run their final mile. Middle school students run in the Spirit of St. Louis 5K Run/Walk. This event enhances schools' curriculum to develop strong bodies and minds through physical fitness, literacy and character education.

All participants are rewarded with race T-shirts, medals, post-race refreshments, activities and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

The Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend scheduled for April 8-9, 2006, is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting community wellness through a variety of running and walking events for athletes of all ages and athletic abilities. Since its debut in 2000, the marathon weekend has grown to more than 10,200 participants and is recognized as the largest event of its kind in Missouri. The Spirit of St. Louis Half Marathon recently was cited by Running USA's Road Running Information Center as one of the fastest growing, annual half-marathons in the country. Visit the race website at: StLouisMarathon.com

For more information, contact Nancy Lieberman at (314) 727-0800.

Related info:
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