The Greater Washington Sports Alliance announced NBC4 as the official broadcast partner for the National Marathon. Race coverage includes a live broadcast of the National Marathon's inaugural start and finish at historic RFK Stadium.The partnership dovetails both with NBC4's strong sports leadership and the station's focus on health and fitness.

The joint announcement was made by Robert Sweeney, President of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance the organization producing the National Marathon and Michael Jack, President of NBC4. "This partnership ensures the event great coverage and substantial publicity," said President Robert Sweeney. Promotional spots for the race leading up to the March 25, 2006 event include 30 second and 60 second vignettes of training tips provided by elite marathoner Keith Dowling. Dowling was the first American finisher of the 2002 Boston Marathon and will serve as Race Director of the National Marathon.

"This region ranks third nationally with more than one million runners," said Michael Jack. He also noted, "Dowling's knowledge and experience as a runner will help give these vignettes and our coverage of the race a unique perspective."

The staff of the National Marathon continues to secure additional media partners to position the inaugural event in a national spotlight. Race participants can look forward to 26.2 miles of roadways and parkland through the nation's Capital and Prince George's County, MD. For more information or to register for the National Marathon, run to www.NationalMarathon.com or call 1-866-RUN-0262.

FACTS:
Inaugural marathon - Saturday, March 25, 2006
Event produced by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance
5,000 entries available
Annual event will create civic pride
Web site: www.NationalMarathon.com
Annual event to raise funds for local youth investment organizations
Will be certified as official pre-qualifier for the Boston Marathon
Beneficiaries: DC Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, 16th Annual Black History Swim Meet, Fort DuPont Ice Arena, D.C. Scores, and United for D.C.

Greater Washington Sports Alliance was established in 2003. The Sports Alliance's mission is to promote existing amateur teams and professional franchises; initiate and support efforts to attract sporting events to Greater Washington; connect the business community to the region's sports assets; brand Greater Washington as a sports town; and support youth investment organizations that use sports to build character, encourage leadership, and enhance education.