Zilker Relays Reflects a Community Effort in Austin
Two local businessmen work overtime to support unique event

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Posted Tuesday, 22 July, 2008

AUSTIN, Texas - (July 15, 2008) - Paul Perrone and Raul Najera look to outdo themselves in the 2008 Zilker Relays on Friday, August 29. The ever-popular event, which started in 2002 as a way to create a unique introduction to the fall racing season, has grown from humble beginnings to a standard-bearer for executing a runner-focused event in Austin.

With the popularity of the race spreading fast, it is expected that 300 teams of four will sign up for the 10 mile relay that loops the roads along the perimeter of Zilker Park. Last year's event had well over 200 teams and was won for the 3rd year in a row by a quartet represented by Gilbert's Gazelles.

Designed to challenge runners at all levels, the Zilker Relays presented by The Genesis Agency and Run-Far Racing Systems is comprised of teams of four, with each member running one loop of 2.5 miles around Austin's beloved Zilker Park before handing off to a teammate. After the race, runners are treated to a free concert in the park by a local Austin band, as well as complimentary beverages and dinner provided by an Austin Original - Tacodeli.

Perrone, The President and GM of The Genesis Agency and the founder of the Zilker Relays, believes that the event has become a community affair with its own unique momentum.

"This year has been a special challenge for us as we work toward pulling together this event," said Perrone, who launched his business in June of 2007 and has been traveling nationally to promote the brands that his agency represents within the running specialty channel. "Without Run-Far Racing Systems and the commitment of our returning sponsors to the relays, we may not have been able to pull off the event this year and it doesn't hurt to be getting calls and e-mails from many of my running buddies in Austin asking if we plan to hold the relays. We couldn't let them down - besides, Raul and I have a blast putting the event together."

2009 Platinum Sponsors of the Zilker Relays include Tacodeli (sponsors of the Training Team Challenge) and James Allen - Private Mortgage Banking with Wells Fargo both of whom have been on board since the inaugural event and Rogue Equipment, which opened its doors in 2007.

Najera, president of Run-Far Racing Systems, added, "The sponsors have been instrumental to the success of this event. It is great to have a group of local business owners that are so committed to supporting the Austin Running community and the Town Lake Trail Foundation through this event. I really think that is what Austin is all about - everyone pitching in to make this a better place to live."

The Zilker Relays reflects the commitment of Najera and Perrone to the Austin and Texas running markets. "Even though I travel out of Austin all of the time, I still love the city and the running community here," stated Perrone. "I hope people understand my commitment to helping bring major running sponsorships to the city. In fact, this year we'll be supported by many of the premier running brands in the industry including Fuel Belt, Craft Performance Apparel, Balega Socks, SUUNTO, NeatSeat, SweatVac and Karhu, the legendary Finnish running brand. These brands have all stepped up to ensure that we are able to put together a package that the runner will truly appreciate."

For more race information, go to: www.ZilkerRelays.com

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