Friday, April 13, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Gets Set to Run in St. Louis Marathon, Leads Two Teams in CEO Wellness Campaign
ST. LOUIS– Gov. Matt Blunt will join more than 15,000 runners this weekend for the St. Louis Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend. The governor, together with two state teams he mobilized as part of the CEO Wellness Campaign, will compete in the four-person Marathon Relay.
"The St. Louis Marathon is sure to be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the event," Blunt said. "The CEO Wellness Campaign and the Marathon reinforces my commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles for Missouri families. Wellness takes a personal commitment to making better, healthier lifestyle choices. We have a personal responsibility to be active participants in our own health and wellness and in turn, improve our quality of life."
The Marathon Relay begins at 7 a.m. this Sunday. Before the start, the governor will address runners at 6:30 a.m. from the Announcer's Tent at the starting line on the corner of 17th and Market.
Blunt mobilized his Running with Blunt Teams I and II shortly after introducing the CEO Wellness Campaign with St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, County Executive Charlie Dooley and St. Louis Area CEOs last month. The campaign challenges Missouri business leaders to lead the way in encouraging physical fitness.
Running with Blunt Teams I and II are made up of the governor's staff and state employees who share the governor's commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles. Team members joining the governor include:
- John Russell, Deputy Chief of Staff - Administrations, Office of the Governor
- Rich Chrismer, Deputy Chief of Staff - Communications, Office of the Governor
- Mary Craven, Executive Assistant to the First Lady and Mansion Director, Office of the Governor
- Jessica Robinson, Press Secretary, Office of the Governor
- Matt Heeren, Deputy General Counsel, Office of the Governor
- Nanci Gonder, Chief of the Office of Public Information, Department of Health and Senior Services
- Omar Davis, General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, Department of Revenue
Blunt has also honored the Read, Right & Run Marathon, another part of the weekend's fitness activities. The Read, Right & Run Marathon is designed to make education relevant to children. Students participating in the marathon are challenged to read 26 books, perform 26 good deeds in their community, and run 26.2 miles over a six-month period. Nearly 3,000 students, from 80 schools will be taking part in the Read, Right & Run Marathon this year.