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Marine Corps Marathon Announces 2009 Healthy School Award Winners

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) today announced the recipients of the annual Healthy School Award, presented to the three schools with the most student participants in the Healthy Kids Fun Run. The one-mile run held in the Pentagon North Parking lot on October 24 hosted a record 2,691 runners between the ages 6-13 from 353 different schools.

Two schools from Fairfax County, Lynbrook Elementary and Eagle View Elementary, are repeat winners. Lynbrook, this year's overall leader in participation with 290 student runners, topped their winning total from last year by 34. For the Springfield, VA school, the win marks the eighth consecutive year they have earned this honor. Eagle View Elementary in Fairfax, VA had 182 participants in a fourth-straight winning effort. First-time winner George Mason Elementary School from Alexandria City Public Schools had the third largest participation with 170 students. Six schools brought more than 100 student runners.

"As the Healthy Kids Fun Run grows every year, so do the positive feelings about young people being active and healthy," said Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon race director. "Students, parents, teachers, principals and PTA members from all the schools have demonstrated in a real way a commitment to physical fitness."

The award is presented annually by the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and its partner, Washington FAMILY Magazine to promote health and fitness. Washington FAMILY Magazine will make a donation to each of the school's physical education department. The award will be presented to the three winning schools during assemblies this winter featuring exciting activities and special guests including Miles and Molly, the MCM Mascots, and the National Children's Museum's "Museum without Walls" program.

Vote "Best Marathon for Families," the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Currently ranked as the fifth largest marathon in the United States and ninth in the world, "The People's Marathon" boasts a course featuring the iconic landmarks of Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement applied.

For media information, contact Marc Goldman, Marine Corps Marathon Sponsorship and Marketing Manager at (703) 784-2113 or marc.goldman@usmc.mil.