Media Only Contacts: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195 (DPR); Jack Pfeiffer (202) 727-1751 (EOM)

(Washington, DC) -- On Friday, September 18, 2009, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will join city leaders, the SunTrust National Marathon and the Greater Washington Sports Alliance to kick-off the third year of the District’s Junior Monumental Milers Program (JuMMP).  The event will be hosted from 11 am to 1 pm at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE.

JuMMP is a 23-week fitness program challenging youth ages 8-13 years of age to run or walk 26.2 miles. Youth track their miles on his or her individual runner’s log. Miles can be completed at school, after-school or on the weekend with a parent or friend. District youth who pledge their commitment to the 2010 JuMMP will receive an official participant T-shirt and join those in attendance in an opening lap around the Turkey Thicket field to kick off this year’s program as part of the first DPR out-of-school Play Day.

Also scheduled to provide remarks is the DC Council Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation and Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. Special recognition of JuMMP corporate partners will include SunTrust Bank, BET Foundation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Kids runDC and Teens runDC.

WHAT:
Kick-Off the Third Year of the Junior Monumental Milers Program

WHEN:
Friday, September 18, 2009; 11 am - 1 pm

WHERE:
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

VISUALS AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: 

• Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Councilmember Ward 5 and Chair, Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation 
• Ximena Hartsock, Acting Director, DC Department of Parks and Recreation 
• Bob Sweeney, President, Greater Washington Sports Alliance
• Scott Wilfong, Chairman, President and CEO of SunTrust Bank, Greater Washington/Maryland
• Wisdom Martin, Reporter, WTTG Fox 5
• Alesha Renee, Host, Black Entertainment Television (BET)
• 300 DPR Youth

About JuMMP:
This third year fitness initiative promotes youth health, physical fitness and nutrition essentials to area youth who take part in the 23-week run/walk program in the District of Columbia. JuMMP registration is free and can be completed online or by mail. Youth ranging from 8-13 can bring their completed runner’s log to receive a free runner’s bib and entry into the Friday, March 19, 2010 SunTrust National Marathon Mini Marathon and Fun Field Day Activities.  Finishers will receive a tee shirt, medal and gift bag for their accomplishment.