TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K First Race in Nation to Offer Online Personal Health Record Service for Runners – Pilot program through MedicalSummary.com will enhance care on race day by making runner medical info available

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine – (June 30, 2008) – The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K has launched a pilot program to collect the medical history of runners and enhance care on race day. Race officials are urging runners to participate in the groundbreaking, voluntary program.

The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon is the first road race nationwide to implement an online personal health record service as part of the medical care provided to runners.

Race officials are partnering with a company called MedicalSummary.com to offer the 2008 race field an opportunity to submit vital medical information safely and securely online.

In the past, race officials relied solely on a rapid medical team response from a well-educated staff to help an ailing runner, as doctors had no way of determining medical history along the course.

That will change with the 2008 race on Saturday, August 2. With the new program, the medical team will use secure codes to access potentially lifesaving information, such as whether someone has diabetes or is prone to anaphylactic shock.

Participation is voluntary and free for runners from the point of registration through a two-week period following the race. Race volunteers also are eligible to participate.

Runners, who were notified of the program following registration in March, are asked to go to their race confirmation notification and click on the "MedicalSummary" link. So far, fewer than 10 percent of runners have signed up, prompting race officials to try to raise awareness about the pilot program.

For additional info, visit Beach2Beacon.org or call the race hotline at (888) 480-6940.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@RunningUSA.org | www.RunningUSA.org