Women’s Half Marathon Series Expands Social Media Efforts – Deschenes brings enthusiasm, running background to women-only race series

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Local runner and social media enthusiast, Kara Deschenes, was selected to join the Women's Half Marathon (WHM) staff as the Marketing & Social Media Coordinator. Deschenes' primary role will be utilizing social media to connect with female runners by providing WHM race information, running tips, and creating a supportive forum where race participants will interact with each other.

Deschenes was a Division I collegiate tennis player at Troy State University before she transferred to University of Florida where she earned a B.A. in English and a M.S. in Business Management. Upon moving to the St. Petersburg area, Deschenes became an avid runner and triathlete. Her experience participating in many races around the state will benefit her initiatives at WHM as she brings a fresh perspective into her role. Outside of running experience, Deschenes previously worked in a leadership capacity in both the financial investment and public education sectors.

As a two-time runner of the St. Petersburg WHM, Deschenes said, "I'm honored to join the team that creates one of my favorite races. I'm excited to have the opportunity to further develop the WHM Race Series."

WHM Founder and President Dawna Stone said, "We are thrilled to have Kara join our team. As a past race participant she brings a unique perspective to our group and we look forward to leveraging ideas from her experience."

The Women's Running Magazine Women's Half Marathon Series is the nation's largest women's half-marathon series. Three 2011 events in Nashville, Tenn. (Saturday, Sept. 24), Scottsdale/Tempe, Ariz. (Sunday, Nov. 6), and St. Petersburg, Fla. (Sunday, Nov. 20) are expected to host more than 20,000 total runners. The WHM Series awards all half marathon finishers with an industry first, patent-pending, two-in-one medal and charm. Finishers also receive a designer goodie bag and tech tee. All events in the series begin with a two-day women-specific health and fitness expo, and finish with an outdoor party complete with food, music and white linen tablecloths. Each event also includes a 5K run.

For more information, please visit www.womenshalfmarathon.com or www.facebook.com/womenshalfmarathon.

To learn more about Women's Running magazine, visit www.womensrunning.com