Posted: May 8, 2007

Athletics: The San Francisco Marathon Reaches Out To Inner City Youth

Marathon Offers Free Training Program for Underprivileged Children SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - (May 7, 2007) - The San Francisco Marathon(tm) announced today that it has launched its RunSFM(tm) Youth Outreach program. The inaugural program allows San Francisco's underprivileged youth, ages 7 to 17, to train for, and participate in, the marathon's signature Progressive Marathon race without cost. Progressive Marathon participants run or walk a full marathon (26.2 miles) during a period of weeks or months. They finish their final 3.1 miles on San Francisco Marathon race day in the marathon's companion 5K Run/Walk. The 2007 Annual San Francisco Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, July 29. Participation in the 8-week youth training program and the Progressive Marathon is free for local youth, and their San Francisco-based youth clubs. All participants in RunSFM Youth Outreach receive free race registration, an official RunSFM T-shirt, and a finisher's medal. In addition, nutrition and fitness seminars are offered. "The organizers of The San Francisco Marathon are excited about joining a growing number of major road races in focussed efforts to promote youth fitness," said Meghan Steed, Director of RunSFM Youth Outreach programs. "We're reaching out to the children of families who might not otherwise be able to afford to register for a running race. By partnering with local youth organizations we're hoping to help address issues of childhood obesity, and to show youngsters how to set and achieve goals in a fun way." The marathon offers a unique way to support its youth running program through Cause to Run(tm), the event's successful fund-raising program that has raised over $2 million for local charities. Cause to Run encourages race entrants to support any of the marathon's more than 30 official charity organizations. This year, any race participant who wants to support RunSFM Youth Outreach can sign up for a special Cause to Run team dedicated to RunSFM Youth Outreach. Additionally, through the San Francisco Marathon's official training program coached by Athletic Endurance(tm), runners can elect to raise money for youth outreach in exchange for a free 21-week training program. Charitable donors can also support RunSFM Youth Outreach, or any Cause to Run charity, without entering the marathon or companion events. "We expect to raise over $1 million this year for our local charities," said Steed. "Now, the RunSFM Youth Outreach program gives folks yet another avenue for charitable giving through the San Francisco Marathon's Cause to Run program while providing children with a sound physical education program." All kids enrolled in RunSFM Youth Outreach, and all adults who sign up for the RunSFM Youth Outreach Team, will receive a training plan, expert coaching advice, and organized workouts through Athletic Endurance. Athletic Endurance's training programs are designed by Julie Fingar, an accomplished marathoner and ultra runner. Fingar is a four-time sub-24-hour finisher of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, and a two-time champion of the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Endurance Run. Athletic Endurance's coaches will implement the 8-week youth program throughout the city of San Francisco starting June 4, 2007. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of overweight children of ages 6 to 11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years, increasing from 7% in 1980 to 18.8% in 2004. In addition, the Centers report that regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, positive experiences with physical activity at a young age help lay the basis for being regularly active throughout life. In other San Francisco Marathon news: The marathon offers its RunSFM official training program to all entrants who are preparing for The San Francisco Marathon(tm) and the Choose Your Half(tm) events. The training regimen is offered through Athletic Endurance. Not ready or inclined to run a marathon or half marathon in a single effort? The San Francisco Marathon gives San Francisco government employees a discounted entry for the Progressive Marathon through San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's Shape Up San Francisco Initiative. Race organizers announced the event's 2007 sponsors. Returning sponsors include JetBlue Airways, CytoSport, and Organs 'R' Us. New sponsors for 2007 include Saturn, WaMu, Hint Water, CLIF Bar, CLIF Bar Pace Teams, Athletic Endurance, and HerSports magazine. "JetBlue Airways is proud to support the San Francisco Marathon for the second consecutive year," said Mark Rogers, JetBlue's West Coast Sponsorships and Events Coordinator. "Our new non-stop service from New York (JFK), Salt Lake City, and Boston to San Francisco will provide runners coming from out of town an unparalleled customer experience including our various in-flight amenities." About The San Francisco Marathon(tm) The San Francisco Marathon(tm) enjoys success as the premier summertime marathon in the U.S. San Francisco's blend of natural beauty, big city charm, and perfect mid-summer running temperatures, make marathon running in San Francisco a truly magical experience. Race events include a full marathon, two half marathons (choose a half), 5K, and Progressive Marathon. The event's unique Cause to Run(tm) program has raised $2 million for over 100 local charity organizations since 2003. For more information about the marathon, Cause to Run, and event registration, visit us online at www.runsfm.com. About JetBlue Airways New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service, and style. JetBlue serves 51 cities with up to 575 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit www.jetblue.com. About Saturn General Motors' Saturn brand markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 500 retailers, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. In 2006, Saturn undertook a major revitalization of its portfolio with four new vehicles: the Sky roadster, the Aura midsize sedan, the Vue Green Line hybrid, and the larger Outlook crossover. Saturn continues its aggressive growth plans in 2007 with the all-new 2008 Vue compact crossover (Spring 2007), and the new 2008 Astra small car (Fall 2007).