RUNNING USA – The San Francisco Marathon® is Ready to Run on Sunday, July 31 – Event announces partnership with global information company Wipro Technologies

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Marathon (TSFM), set for Sunday, July 31, 2011, announced a partnership with Wipro Technologies. Wipro will be the presenting sponsor for 2011 and title the marathon in 2012 and 2013.

Known for its beautiful scenic views, TSFM presented by Wipro is the only race that runs in the roadbed of the Golden Gate Bridge. The USATF certified loop course starts at the Ferry Building, runs along the Embarcadero, over the Bridge, along the coastline, through Golden Gate Park and the Haight-Ashbury District and past AT&T Park.

TSFM presented by Wipro is rated one of the top marathons in the US, is the largest marathon in Northern California, the 13th largest marathon in the U.S. and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. It generated over $42 million in economic output impact for the city of San Francisco in 2010.

The winner of last year's marathon and course record holder, Keith Bechtol, will be returning this year to run the half-marathon while three-time winner, Andrew Cook hopes to regain the course record he set in 2007. Michael Wardian, another elite to watch, won the National Marathon in Washington D.C. in five of the last six years and won USA 50K titles in 2008-10.

Several celebrities that are running to raise money and awareness for their favorite charities. Sophia Bush of the television show One Tree Hill will be running the 5K to promote volunteerism as well as raise money for The Nature Conservancy. Bush will be hosting the Fundraiser Superstar Tent where all runners who raise $1000 or more for an approved charity will have access to this tent at the start/finish line.

Jared Fogle, spokesperson for Subway, will be running with Olympic Gold Medalist and Dancing with the Stars Champion, Apolo Ohno, to raise awareness for the Jared Foundation whose mission is to stamp out childhood obesity. Ada Wong and Jesse Atkins, contestants of season 10's Biggest Loser, will be running the first half-marathon to raise funds for the American Red Cross.

Marathon events include the full marathon, two half-marathons, a 5K, a progressive marathon and the Munchkin Kids Run.

See more details at www.thesfmarathon.com

 RUNNING USA