RUNNING USA – Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon Makes U.S. Development Pledge – $1000 bonus for 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers plus $1 per entry for U.S. training group and development challenge to the sport

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – (March 14, 2011) – Officials of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon have announced a major incentive for emerging American elite distance runners and a challenge to event directors of major U.S. distance races to help support the development of U.S. distance runners and to build upon the decade-plus resurgence.

"We want as many American men and women to participate in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston this January 14 and to that end, we will bonus any American $1000 cash for qualifying for the Trials at our race," said Steve Nearman, event director of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon, scheduled for Oct. 2. "This means sub-1:05:00 for men and sub-1:15:00 for women."

Nearman also announced another initiative, based on an inspiring story brought back from the recent Running USA 2011 conference by American Running Association CEO Dave Watt.

Watt recounted a moment at the conference when Team USA Arizona founder and coach Greg McMillan and his runners took the stage to receive a $25,000 grant from Running USA. McMillan and some of his runners in his emerging program broke into tears of joy at the significance of the grant. Many of the 500 attendees at the awards ceremony also got teary-eyed.

This story so moved officials of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half that they committing $1 per entry to fund an elite training program for the Olympic year 2012. With an expected sellout of more than 6,000 entrants, race officials are hoping their sizable grant will inspire other races to do the same.

"I challenge my friends and fellow event directors to follow suit," stated Nearman, adding that the Wilson Bridge Half already awards U.S.-only prize money. "If Carey Pinkowski of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon could donate $1 per runner, we're talking $45,000-plus. Dave McGillivray at Boston, another $25,000-plus. Mary Wittenberg at New York City, another $50,000-plus. Rick Nealis at Marine Corps, another $30,000-plus. Same with Jim Vandak at the Army Ten-Miler, another $30,000 or so. That's nearly $200,000 right there to support American runners."

Officials also announced the renewal of sponsors National Harbor, Westin National Harbor, R&B Inc., Elizabeth Lucchesi / McEnearney Realtors and Curcio Law Firm.

Like last year, the race will benefit Autism Speaks, Alice Ferguson Foundation, Back on My Feet, Child & Family Network Centers and Washington Area Women's Foundation. The race also announced a commitment to the RunningBrooke Fund, inspired by Brooke Curran who is well into her goal of running a marathon in every State and continent and the five World Marathon Majors.

"I am pleased to announce that the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon has 'laced up their shoes' to become the latest RunningBrooke Sponsor," Curran said. "By supporting the RunningBrooke Fund – committing to $1K a year for the next five years – The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon is underpinning vital Alexandria charities that serve the at-risk in our hometown."

The course begins at the historic Washington home of Mount Vernon, VA, rolls up the George Washington Memorial Parkway and crosses the Potomac over the famous Woodrow Wilson Bridge before finishing at the unique Awakening statue in the resort of National Harbor, MD.

For more information, visit wilsonbridgehalf.com and Facebook wilsonbridgehalf.

 RUNNING USA