Monday, April 16, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Applauds Marathon Runners, Wellness Campaign Participants
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today applauded the more than 15,000 participants in the St. Louis Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend and congratulated the winners for their accomplishments. As part of the CEO Wellness Campaign, the governor mobilized two state teams that completed the Marathon Relay and encouraged business leaders to challenge their employees to get active.
"I had a great time with the relay and appreciated the exceptional hospitality of St. Louis and all the Family Fitness Weekend volunteers," Blunt said. "I congratulate each of the winners and all of the participants. Their commitment to personal health offers a superb example for Missourians and models the many benefits of making better, healthier lifestyle choices."
Blunt mobilized the 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. Both the co-ed teams, made up of the governor's staff and state employees who share the governor's commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles, successfully completed the challenge.
The governor ran the first and second legs of the marathon with Team I. His team finished the marathon relay in 3 hours, 29 minutes, 32 seconds. They won second place in the corporate co-ed category behind the St. Luke's Pacesetters. The governor's teammates included John Russell, Deputy Chief of Staff - Administrations; Mary Craven, Executive Assistant to the First Lady and Mansion Director; and Rich Chrismer, Deputy Chief of Staff - Communications. Their finish time reflects just under an eight minute per mile pace. Among all marathon relay teams, the governor's team placed in the top 10 percent finishing 14th among the 176 relay teams that participated.
For more information about the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend and results visit www.stlouismarathon.com.