ING Philadelphia Distance Run Announces Tug McGraw Foundation an Official Charity

PHILADELPHIA, July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- ING Philadelphia Distance Run announced that the Tug McGraw Foundation (TMF), founded in honor of legendary Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher Tug McGraw to fund quality of life research on behalf of brain tumor patients, will be an official charity of the race beginning with this year's competition on September 21, 2008.

McGraw is remembered not only for his zany antics and legendary screwball, but for his passion both on and off the field. A hero to Philadelphians and to baseball fans across the country, McGraw led the Phillies to their 1980 World Series Championship with his rallying cry, "Ya Gotta Believe."

"Philadelphia meant as much to Tug as he meant to the city, and we hope everyone is ready to suit up and run through the streets ofPhiladelphia with Team McGraw," said TMF Honorary Chairman, Tim McGraw, Tug's son and a GRAMMY(R) Award-winning artist.

Members of Team McGraw and representatives of the Philadelphia Phillies, including ESPN commentator John Kruk and McGraw's former teammate Greg "The Bull" Luzinski, still a fan favorite and owner of Bull's Barbecue at Citizens Bank Park will run to raise awareness and funds for both TMF and Phillies Charities, Inc. Members of Tim McGraw's Band--Jeff McMahon and Dean Brown--will also be inPhiladelphia to take part in the race.

The ING Philadelphia Distance Run has long been one of the premiere half marathons in the country. This year's race will mark the thirty-first running through the streets ofPhiladelphia. In addition to the scenic and picturesque course that traverses Center City and the roads along the Schuylkill River, the race features live bands performing on stages on the route.

"Phillies Charities is proud to partner with the Tug McGraw Foundation," said Gene Dias, Phillies Director of Community Relations and Phillies Charities Board member. "Tug was one of the most popular players in Phillies history, and the TMF has done an outstanding job of keeping his legacy alive through their tireless fundraising efforts."

There are many sponsorship opportunities for "Team McGraw." For more information, including registration details and information on a special discount for Team McGraw members, please write to marathon@tugmcgraw.org. To register for the ING Philadelphia Distance Run visit, www.ingphiladelphiadistancerun.com or call, (800) 311-1255.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Coverage is invited and interviews with TMF Foundation president, Jennifer Brusstar, Dancehall Doctor keyboardist, Jeff McMahon, Greg Luzinski and John Kruk are available prior to the race and during the run.

About the Tug McGraw Foundation

The Tug McGraw Foundation was established to raise funds for pioneering brain tumor research, increase public awareness of the disease, and support students who exemplify leadership and Tug's inspiring "Ya Gotta Believe" spirit. For more information about the Tug McGraw Foundation, please visit www.tugmcgraw.org.

Brain tumors are the leading cause of death from solid tumors in children under age 20 and the third leading cause of all cancer deaths in young adults ages 20 to 39. Over the past 10 years, brain tumor research has advanced significantly, yet the reality of living with a brain tumor remains the same. Brain tumors may alter thought, emotion, memory, movement and language. Quality of life research is recognized as a needed component of brain tumor care.

About Phillies Charities, Inc.

Phillies Charities, Inc is the charitable arm of The Phillies baseball club. It raises funds in a variety of ways, including at the annual Phillies Phestival carnival held at Citizens Bank Park as well as several other events held throughout the year. In addition to supporting thePhiladelphia chapter of the ALS Association, Phillies Charities provides dozens of small and large grants each year to mostly-local non-profit organizations and charities. Some of the organizations that have benefited in the last several years include the Police Athletic League, Philadelphia Reads, Philadelphia Futures, American Heart Association and the Richie Ashburn Foundation.

About Elite Racing Inc.

Based inSan Diego, Calif., Elite Racing, Inc. is a division of Competitor Group, Inc., which includes endurance sports publishing leaders Competitor Magazine and Triathlete Magazine. Elite Racing produces world-class road racing events for runners and walkers throughoutthe United States. Its signature Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series began in 1998 with the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon inSan Diego. Over the past 10 years, the sports marketing and management company has grown to manage a total of seven marathons and half marathons including the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon inPhoenix,Scottsdale andTempe, the Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon inNashville, Tenn., the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon inSan Antonio, Tex., the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathons inVirginia Beach, Va. andSan Jose, Calif., and the ING Philadelphia Distance Run. Events feature live bands on entertainment stages and cheerleaders at every mile along the course and attract between 13,000 and 37,000 participants.

In addition, Elite Racing also produces theCarlsbad 5000. Known as the "world's fastest 5K," theCarlsbad 5000 is home to 16 world best times at the 3.1-mile distance and welcomes over 10,000 runners and walkers to the streets ofCarlsbad, Calif. annually. For more information about Elite Racing's events visit www.eliteracing.com.

Contacts at Ritz Communication on behalf of the Tug McGraw Foundation are: Mike Beyer -- (773) 463-4211, mike.beyer@ritzcommunications.com and Patty Keiler -- (312) 550-5394, patty.keiler@ritzcommunication.com.

Contacts for Elite Racing, Inc., are: Ian Monahan -- (800) 311-1255, imonahan@eliteracing.com and Kim Dettwiller -- (615) 330-5656, kimdet@comcast.net

SOURCE Tug McGraw Foundation

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