To benefit Foster Friends of North Carolina and UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation

UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, has announced its sponsorship of the 2nd annual North Carolina Marathon, proceeds from which will benefit Foster Friends of North Carolina and the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation.

The event is scheduled for May 2, 2009. UnitedHealthcare has been the event's primary sponsor since its inception in spring, 2008.

"UnitedHealthcare sponsors the North Carolina Marathon because we are committed to enhancing the health and well being of not just of our customers, but the health of the community at large," said Austin Pittman, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of the Carolinas. "We are please to again help bring this exciting event to our community."

UnitedHealthcare serves more than 800,000 Marylanders and more than 2 million people across the Mid Atlantic.

The 2009 marathon will feature a standard 26.2 mile race as well as a half marathon, a Family 5K, and a 2 Mile Challenge. All races will begin and end at the VF World Headquarters in downtown Greensboro

The 2008 marathon and associated running events drew 1,108 runners from 21 states and two foreign countries. The 2009 event is expected to attract more than 2,500 runners.

Foster Friends of North Carolina is focused on making the 2009 event a Green Marathon. The marathon's sponsoring hotel, The Proximity, is the first hotel to receive LEED platinum certification for its energy-saving design and practices. Other green efforts planned by race organizers include on-site recycling bins, composting of any food wastes, and e-mail correspondence with participants instead of paper mailings.

Additional information about the marathon, other runs and registration can be gotten www.ncmarathon.org.