Media Contact Only: MosesAlexander Greene, (202) 673-7684
On Saturday, March 29, 2008, in conjunction with the 3rd Annual SunTrust National Marathon and Half Marathon, youth from the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will complete a challenge they began over three months ago: running and walking 26 miles over the course of 17-weeks. 348 youths registered for the 2008 Junior Monumental Milers Program (JuMMP) in early December 2007 and completed their “marathon” on Friday, March 14. They have all been invited by organizers of the SunTrust National Marathon and Half Marathon to run their final victory lap on site.
The 2008 Junior Monumental Milers Program (JuMMP) challenge was a physical education program that challenged youth with the daily habit of running and walking for fitness, long life and good health. The challenge was kicked-off on December 7, 2007 at the Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center in Washington DC . Youth from DC recreation centers across the city attended and took part in the ceremonial first mile run. Once registered, the youth received a Runner’s Log to chart their progress.
“I am grateful to the Greater Washington Sports Alliance and SunTrust for inviting our DPR JuMMP Finishers to participate in this national marathon,” said Clark E. Ray, director of DPR. “Our children have learned so many valuable lessons about discipline, commitment and perseverance by participating in JuMMP and this is the perfect way to celebrate them for the champions that they have shown themselves to be.”
The JuMMP Finishers will run at 7:20 am around the “Runners’ Village” in front of RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street SE, and then cross the same finish line as runners competing in the national marathon. Upon crossing the finish line, they will be greeted by cheers from family, friends and the “Rushmores”—the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents. Each finisher will be brought onto the awards stage and receive their commemorative Finisher Medal, a SunTrust back pack and Fashion Time sports watch before being directed to the Wal-Mart Family Reunion Tent where they will receive a healthy snack and beverage.
Detailed information on the 2008 SunTrust National Marathon, including race routes and street closures can be found at www.nationalmarathon.com.
WHEN:
Saturday, March 29, 2008
6:15 am DPR JuMMP Finishers arrive at DC Armory Mall and are met by marathon official
6:45 am JuMMP Finishers are escorted to starting line area 19th and East Capitol Streets (Southwest corner of intersection)
6:50 am National Anthem Sung
6:53 am Wheelchair Race Starts
7:00 am Official Race Starts
7:15 am JuMMP Finishers escorted to start line (facing east)
7:20 am JuMMP Finishers Start off SunTrust National Marathon and Half Marathon)
WHERE:
Main Location: RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street, SE
VISUALS AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
DPR Youth JuMMP Finishers with amazing stories of discipline, commitment and perseverance
Clark E. Ray, Director, DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)
Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chairman, DC Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation
Diane Romo Thomas, Director of Community Relations, Greater Washington Sports Alliance
About JuMMP
The Junior Monumental Milers Program (JuMMP) is a physical education program youth challenge that promotes the daily habit of running and/or walking for fitness, long life and good health. The program encourages youth to run/walk 26 miles over the course of 17-weeks. The 2008 JuMMP challenge kicked-off on December 7, 2007 at Kenilworth Parkside and was attended by Mayor Adrian Fenty, DC Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. (Ward 5) and Yvette Alexander (Ward 7), DC Parks and Recreation Director, Clark E. Ray, and Greater Washington Sports Alliance Chairman Fernando Murias. Youth from DC recreation centers across the city attended and took part in the ceremonial first mile run receiving Reebok JuMMP “In Training” tee shirts and Wal-Mart goody bags and snacks.
About Greater Washington Sports Alliance
Greater Washington Sports Alliance was established in 2003. The Sports Alliance’s mission is to promote existing amateur teams and professional franchises; initiate and support efforts to attract sporting events to Greater Washington; connect the business community to the region’s sports assets; brand Greater Washington as a sports capital; and support youth investment organizations that use sports to build character, encourage leadership, and enhance education.