From the BAA:
Bill Rodgers, Running Icon and 4-time Boston Marathon Champion,
to Give Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience on June 3:
NATIONAL RUNNING DAY
B.A.A. and USA Track & Field-New England offer an invitation
to run with a legend.
BOSTON, Mass. - On the occasion of the first ever National Running Day,
the Boston Athletic Association and USA Track & Field - New England
invite runners and non-runners alike to come run with a legend: Bill
Rodgers, a 4-time Boston Marathon champion and the sport's most
recognizable running figure.
In April, Rodgers returned to the Boston Marathon, the race which with
he is synonymous, completing the course in 4:06:49. On Wednesday
evening June 3 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's outdoor
track facility in Cambridge, Mass., the 61-year old icon will lead
anyone who wants to run through a mile. This opportunity is on par with
playing a game of pick-up basketball with Larry Bird, hitting batting
practice with Curt Schilling as pitcher or being paced around
Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Mario Andretti. In the running world,
this could be referred to as a Dream Mile of sorts.
National Running Day is a country-wide effort to promote the sport in
the United States. Activities will take place in major cities across
the country. In the Boston-area, the B.A.A. and USATF-NE are
cooperating at a mini track meet at MIT in Cambridge. The meet offers
novices and newcomers a chance to try various track events. It also
allows parents to introduce the sport to their kids in a low-key
atmosphere. The National Running Day web site is:
As an added attraction, Rodgers will pace those who want to run a mile
in six minutes or faster. For anyone who has ever dreamed of running
side-by-side with greatness, this is their chance.
Also in recognition of National Running Day, the Boston Athletic
Association and USATF-NE have made this a free event for all who want to
participate or try an event, including all adults, youths and kids.
Sign-up and registration occurs on-site at the event. There is no
pre-registration.
When: Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology outdoor track
facility
Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
What: USATF - New England Mini Track Meet
Time Schedule:
6:00 p.m. - Run a Mile with Bill Rodgers (This can also serve as a
warm-up for those participating in the meet; participation in the
USATF-NE Mini Meet not necessary to Run with Bill Rodgers.)
6:30 p.m. - USATF-NE Mini Meet Begins with competition events
6:35 p.m. - Mile, with special pacing by Bill Rodgers. Rodgers will run
at 6:00 per mile pace and all are welcome to join in achieving that
goal.
To view a complete meet schedule, see:
http://www.usatfne.org/track/entry/2009-mini-meet-entry.pdf
The USATF-NE Mini Meet at MIT in Cambridge is organized by: USA Track &
Field - New England (617-566-7600;
)
USATF-NE is the local New England association of the USA Track & Field.
As one of USATF's 57 associations, USATF - New England administers
programs in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
and Vermont. With over 3300 members, 120 member clubs, and 400
sanctioned events, the New England association is one of the most active
and largest associations in the country.
for more
information
Boston Athletic Association
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit
organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a
healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s
Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the
organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half
Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund,
and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running
programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has
been John Hancock Financial Services. Additional information about the
Boston Athletic Association, the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19,
2010, and the B.A.A.'s year-round schedule of running events and
activities can be found online at