YMCA World's Largest Run

2001 5k Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YMCAs UNITE TO HOST THE WORLD's LARGEST RUN ON JUNE 2, 2001, CELEBRATE THEIR 150th ANNIVERSARY

Mark your calendar. On Saturday, June 2, 2001, join thousands of Americans from coast to coast as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of American YMCAs by participating in the YMCA World's Largest Run. More than 700 YMCAs will unite to host a national, multicity, synchronized 5K run and fun walk.

"An event of this size or type has never been attempted before," said Jeremy Solomon, vice president for The Running Network, which represents 29 regional and specialty running magazines.

Salem Family YMCA is proud to participate in the YMCA World's Largest Run and we expect 250 people will participate in this historical event.

One synchronized start time, (11 a.m. Atlantic (Puerto Rico); 10 a.m. Eastern; 9 a.m. Central; 8 a.m. Mountain; 7 a.m. Pacific and 4 a.m. in Hawaii) means that tens of thousands of people will be saluting strong kids, strong families and strong communities in six time zones.

"Our hope is that parents and their kids sign up and run together as a family," added John Gallagher. "Sports and physical activities are an ideal opportunity to stay healthy together and connected with each other."

Each host Y will serve as an official "headquarters" where participants can register, receive information or volunteer to help out with event logistics. Host Ys will also coordinate the distribution of local proceeds from the event, proceeds which will be used to subsidize programs such as day camp, afterschool care or swim lessons for disadvantaged children, teens and families in that Y's community. The entry fee is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12.

T-shirts will be available for all at an additional $5 each. Runners or walkers can register at Gallagher Fitness Resources. To locate the nearest Y taking part in the event, log on to www.ymca.net and click on the YMCA World's Largest Run icon. Online registration is also available at www.ymca.active.com.

"We believe online registration will appeal to kids, teens and families who are 'wired.' This is an important audience to acquaint with their local Ys because many young people who spend hours on the computer don't often get enough exercise," added John Gallagher

"In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14% of children and 12% of teens are severely overweight," said Gallagher. "One of the goals of the YMCA World's Largest Run is to help kids and adults view exercise as fun instead of drudgery."

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