Posted: December 21, 2005

Athletics: Marine Corps Marathon, FAMILIES Magazine Announce Healthy School Award

Springfield, VA's Lynbrook Elementary Wins for 5th Consecutive Year

QUANTICO, Va. - (December 19, 2005) - The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and FAMILIES Magazine, proud sponsor of the Healthy Kids Fun Run, will present the MCM Healthy School Award to Lynbrook Elementary. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Springfield, Virginia school has received this honor. The Healthy School Award is presented to the school with the greatest number of students participating in the MCM Healthy Kids Fun Run. FAMILIES Magazine will make a $1,000 donation to the school's physical education department.

For the first time, the MCM and FAMILIES Magazine will also recognize the school with the second most student participants. Cardinal Forest Elementary, also of Springfield will receive a $500 donation from FAMILIES Magazine to acknowledge their participation.

"Raising healthy, active kids is a priority for every parent," said Brenda Hyde, publisher of Washington FAMILIES Magazine. "FAMILIES Magazine is thrilled to be involved with the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run and to offer this financial incentive to encourage students to participate in the event."

The Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by The Washington Post was held on Sunday, October 30 at the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington, Virginia. 993 children between the ages 6 and 13 participated in the event. Kids representing nearly 90 schools throughout the U.S. participated in the event filled with mascots, cheerleaders, hands-on activities, good food and fun with the Marines.

The MCM Healthy School Awards will be presented during a special assembly in February 2006 featuring the Marines and Miles, the MCM Mascot. Kids Run sponsors include Navy Federal Credit Union, McDonald's, Kellogg's, National Children's Museum, Lincoln Military Housing, Whole Foods and Sodexho.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 31st Marine Corps Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2006. Visit MarineMarathon.com for more information.

Contact: Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165 or Elizabeth.Cline@usmc.mil.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.