Press Release - Grandma's Marathon - 6/12/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                   Contact: Scott Keenan 
                                            Executive Director
                                            Laura Wright
                                            Public Relations Director
                                            (218) 727-0947



      WHIPPER SNAPPER RACES FOR KIDS ~ Where everyone's a Champion!


Duluth, Minn.: Because many kids love running as much as adults, Grandma’s 
Marathon, the Duluth Lions Club and the City of Duluth have teamed up to 
offer races for children ages 14 and under.  The Whipper Snapper Races give 
children the opportunity to experience the sport of running and get into 
the spirit of Grandma’s Marathon weekend.  The races will be held on 
Friday, June 16 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth.

"Last year the Whipper Snapper Races drew nearly 1,100 children – it was 
wonderful!  These races are very low-key and fun for the kids.  It’s not 
about winning it’s about having fun," says Jon Carver Carlson, race 
director of Grandma’s Marathon and the Whipper Snapper Races.

The Whipper Snapper Races for Kids is FREE and registration begins at Noon 
on Friday, June 16 with races starting at 2:00 p.m.  Race distances vary 
depending on age, but will include short dashes and sprints.

The motto of these races is "Everyone’s A Champion!" and in keeping with 
this theme all participants receive an official race number, ribbon and 
goodie bag.  When they’re not running, children can hang out with some of 
UMD’s athletes and also have the chance to meet "Champ" the UMD Bulldog.

For more information contact Grandma’s Marathon at (218) 727-0947 or e-mail 
. 

Whipper Snapper Races for Kids are sponsored by the City of Duluth, the 
Lions Club of Duluth, Jubilee Foods, Maurices, the Young Athletes 
Foundation, Grandma’s Marathon and UMD Athletics.



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