FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Valley of the Sun Marathon
Sue Berliner, 480.947.3900
sue@valleyofthesunmarathon.com
or
Nogales High School
George Thomson, 520.313.5873
Valley of the Sun Marathon Helping
to Graduate a Nogales High School Senior
MESA, Ariz.—March 1, 2005—Organizers for the Valley of the Sun Marathon,
Arizona’s premier springtime running event, announced today their support
for Nogales High School senior Ernesto Chavez in his "Senior Project."
Chavez's project, a requirement for graduation from Nogales High School, is
to train for and run a sub 4:30 marathon for his paper titled "Heart Rate
Training and the Effect of Aerobic Exercise on the Brain." The race will be
run on Sunday, March 13.
During the Senior Project each student writes a research paper, applies the
thesis of that paper in a project and documents the thesis application in a
portfolio. The student then gives a speech to teachers and community
members about the experience, as well as the application of learning in a
real-life project.
Sue Berliner, director of the Valley of the Sun Marathon and publisher of
SWEAT magazine, said, "Running is a whole-life endeavor. To support a
student who proved he can run and write is an honor for us; Ernesto
represents our future."
George Thomson, Nogales High School teacher and Ernesto's Senior Project
mentor, said, "The Senior Project goes far beyond AIMS as a graduation
requirement. Ernesto won’t be taking tests to make a living, but he will be
applying his research in projects to earn his way in life and he will be
running. This is a real test of skills."
The Valley of the Sun Marathon is paying for Chavez's entry fee and
supporting his run. "I'd like to thank the Valley of the Sun Marathon for
making it possible for me to do what I couldn't afford to do on my own, for
making my graduation real," Chavez remarked.
About the Valley of the Sun Marathon
Now in its fifth year, the Valley of the Sun Marathon will be held on March
13, 2005, with the expo taking place the day before at the Rendezvous
Center and Greens of the Mesa Convention Center. The race has become the
second largest March marathon in the nation, attracting runners from all 50
states, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Africa. Each race – the marathon, relay
and half-marathon – features point-to-point, descending routes which wind
through desert backdrops highlighted by breath-taking valley views, the
world-class Las Sendas golf community, historic Falcon Field Airport,
blossoming orange groves and beautiful residential neighborhoods.
In addition, representatives from Britton Productions will be on the course
filming for a documentary of this year’s race. To encourage health and
fitness for the whole family, the event also includes a 3-mile run and Free
Kids K. Race registration is available online until March 9 or in person at
the expo on March 12. Three Mile participants can register on Sunday
morning. For more information, visit www.valleyofthesunmarathon.com or
call the race hotline at 480.647.5373.
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