NBC’S “THE BIGGEST LOSER: COUPLES” CONTESTANT DANE PATTERSON COMPLETES COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON – Controversial Contestant Receives His Redemption

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (April 26, 2009) – Dane Patterson, a season 7 contestant on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples,” completed the 2009 Country Music Marathon Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee, with a time of 5 hrs, 47 minutes and 20 seconds(actual time). The season finale of “The Biggest Loser: Couples” will air Tuesday, May 12 from 8-11 p.m. ET.

“I’m so excited that I was able to redeem myself and complete this marathon, says Patterson.  “I feel as though this has been a personal milestone for me and an amazing experience here in Nashville.” Patterson’s attempt to run a marathon in Arizona this past January stirred up controversy when it aired during a “Where Are They Now?” segment on “The Biggest Loser: Couples.”

Blaine Cotter, cousin of Dane, ran alongside his cousin and completed the 26.2-mile course with exact same time.  “I’m so glad I could be here to encourage my cousin and support this amazing event,” Cotter says. “The Country Music Marathon is an awesome event.”

“We are so happy Dane had the opportunity to run with us,” says Adam Zocks, general manager of the event.  “People who come to run Music City have the experience of a lifetime.”  This year’s race had over 31,200 participants in the marathon and half marathon

About “The Biggest Loser”  

The first reality series where everybody "loses," “The Biggest Loser” challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney (“Days of our Lives”), the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of "The Biggest Loser." Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. The Biggest Loser is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

About Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2009, the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon will attract over 30,000 runners and 100,000 spectators to Music City on Saturday, April 25. The event is a weekend celebration complete with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, YMCA Country Music Kids' Marathon and a post-race concert. For more information or to register for the race, please visit www.cmmarathon.com or call 800-311-1255.

Wendy Zocks
Kim Dettwiller