BOSTON MARATHON – Thanks to all those who joined Bill Rodgers, the B.A.A. and USATF-NE on June 3: NATIONAL RUNNING DAY.

UPDATE (JUNE 5, 2009):
In the Boston area, the Boston Athletic Association in cooperation with USA Track & Field – New England, offered a mini track meet at the MIT outdoor athletic facility (Cambridge, Mass.). Running icon and four-time Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers spoke to those in attendance with inspirational words, he warmed-up by running a mile with everyone, and he gave those entered in the mile event the thrill of a lifetime by lining up with them and running with them.

Many who participated had never run on the track previously. Rodgers stayed and spoke to everyone individually, signed personalized autograph cards and encouraged everyone that they were part of something larger which was happening across the country this day.

“All of us here today are now part of something special,” said Rodgers. “We’re ‘the first’ at something; there’s nothing that’s ever been done like this in our sport, and I can see National Running Day really taking off in the coming years. Running is a sport that everyone can do, and running’s popularity continues to be on the rise. We hope everyone who came out and participated today will be able to see how rewarding this sport can be.”

Also, the B.A.A. provided complimentary give-aways on the occasion of National Running Day.

Age range: 5-years old (youngest) – 61 years old (oldest)

Timeframe: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 3 (National Running Day)

Location: MIT Outdoor Track & Field facility (Cambridge, Mass.)

Name of event: USATF-NE Mini Track Meet

Who: All-comers, highlighted by the attendance and participation of Bill Rodgers

Presented in Boston by the Boston Athletic Association and in cooperation with USA Track & Field – New England
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JUNE 3, 2009
BOSTON, Mass. – On the occasion of the first ever National Running Day, the Boston Athletic Association and USA Track & Field – New England invite runners and non-runners alike to come run with a legend: Bill Rodgers, a 4-time Boston Marathon champion and the sport's most recognizable running figure.

In April, Rodgers returned to the Boston Marathon, the race which with he is synonymous, completing the course in 4:06:49. On Wednesday evening June 3 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's outdoor track facility in Cambridge, Mass., the 61-year old icon will lead anyone who wants to run through a mile. This opportunity is on par with playing a game of pick-up basketball with Larry Bird, hitting batting practice with Curt Schilling as pitcher or being paced around Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Mario Andretti. In the running world, this could be referred to as a Dream Mile of sorts.

National Running Day is a country-wide effort to promote the sport in the United States. Activities will take place in major cities across the country. In the Boston-area, the B.A.A. and USATF-NE are cooperating at a mini track meet at MIT in Cambridge. The meet offers novices and newcomers a chance to try various track events. It also allows parents to introduce the sport to their kids in a low-key atmosphere. The National Running Day web site is: https://www.runningday.org

As an added attraction, Rodgers will pace those who want to run a mile in six minutes or faster. For anyone who has ever dreamed of running side-by-side with greatness, this is their chance.

Also in recognition of National Running Day, the Boston Athletic Association and USATF-NE have made this a free event for all who want to participate or try an event, including all adults, youths and kids. Sign-up and registration occurs on-site at the event. There is no pre-registration.

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology outdoor track facility
Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

What: USATF – New England Mini Track Meet

Time Schedule:
6:00 p.m. – Run a Mile with Bill Rodgers (This can also serve as a warm-up for those participating in the meet; participation in the USATF-NE Mini Meet not necessary to Run with Bill Rodgers.)

6:30 p.m. – USATF-NE Mini Meet Begins with competition events

6:35 p.m. – Mile, with special pacing by Bill Rodgers. Rodgers will run at 6:00 per mile pace and all are welcome to join in achieving that goal.

To view a complete meet schedule, see: https://www.usatfne.org/track/entry/2009-mini-meet-entry.pdf

The USATF-NE Mini Meet at MIT in Cambridge is organized by: USA Track & Field – New England (617-566-7600; office@usatfne.org)

USATF-NE is the local New England association of the USA Track & Field. As one of USATF's 57 associations, USATF – New England administers programs in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. With over 3300 members, 120 member clubs, and 400 sanctioned events, the New England association is one of the most active and largest associations in the country. www.usatfne.org for more information

Boston Athletic Association
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial Services. Additional information about the Boston Athletic Association, the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010, and the B.A.A.'s year-round schedule of running events and activities can be found online at www.baa.org