Posted: December 18, 2007

Athletics: Surf City USA® Marathon Poised To Raise Record $650,000 For Southern California-Based “Free Wheelchair Mission”

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – For the third consecutive year, the Surf City USA® Marathon is teaming up with the Free Wheelchair Mission for a fundraising event that will change the lives of nearly 13,000 disabled people across the globe. In the Third Annual “Run for Mobility”, the event’s 16,000 runners are encouraged to use the Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K as a way to raise funds that will send specially engineered wheelchairs to needy and developing nations. An alliance first forged in 2006, Surf City USA Marathon runners raised $160,000 for the cause and more than $465,000 in 2007. Some 13,000 chairs have been distributed to date. This year’s target is $650,000 and an additional 13,000 chairs. Each wheelchair is made of mountain bike tires and durable outdoor furniture, designed to withstand all types of weather conditions and often rough terrain in underdeveloped countries. One wheelchair costs just $44.40 delivered. Runners opting to participate in the "Run for Mobility" and who raise at least $500 will have their race entry fee paid by The Free Wheelchair Mission! More information is available at www.runsurfcity.com. “There are few opportunities to make such a significant impact on so many lives,” said Surf City USA Marathon General Manager, Amy Tomchak. “Running for those who can’t is a great way to make the race more meaningful for everyone involved.” Formerly known as the Pacific Shoreline Marathon, the “inaugural” Surf City USA Marathon re-branded their world-class race this past May in order to align more closely with the unique surf culture of Huntington Beach. With the landmark pier and legendary surf break as its backdrop, runners compete in three divisions – marathon, half-marathon and 5K. Surf culture is infused throughout with live bands, surf decor and the much sought after surfboard medallions. The Surf City USA Marathon is held on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. Racing begins at 6:50 a.m., rain or shine. The starting point is on Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Main St. Registration, volunteer and event information is available at www.runsurfcity.com and www.runformobility.org. About Surf City Usa Marathon The Surf City USA Marathon is the largest ocean-front running event in all of California. Formerly known as the Pacific Shoreline Marathon, the 12th annual event is held on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. Some 16,000 runners compete in three divisions – marathon, half-marathon and 5K. More than 30,000 spectators from the 48 contiguous states and 19 foreign countries are anticipated to pack the downtown and outlying areas. Weekend highlights include the two-day Active Lifestyle Beach Expo and Michelob Ultra Post Race Beer Garden. Information is available at www.runsurfcity.com. About Free Wheelchair Mission Free Wheelchair Mission, the Orange County California based non-profit organization is committed to providing the transforming gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries. Free Wheelchair Mission creatively partners with like-minded international humanitarian and indigenous organizations and plans to distribute 20 million wheelchairs by the year 2010. Started in 2001, the organization has distributed more than 250,000 wheelchairs worldwide. For more information, visit www.freewheelchairmission.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest