Gettysburg start to D.C. landmarks finish highlights "Run Where the Locals Run" course; "early registration" deadline of July 31, 2008

Running and history will cross picturesque paths across three states, several Civil War battlefields and some of our nation's capital's most famous memorials as part of the inaugural American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure, a unique team relay event to be held April 24-25, 2009.

Spanning approximately 200 miles, the race will start in historic Gettysburg, where some of the most famous battles of the War Between the States were fought. Runners will encounter several covered bridges and streams in the early going before crossing the famous Mason-Dixon Line into Maryland. It is in the town of Boonsboro that runners will then experience a different kind of history-making event: The first-ever Odyssey Oasis, a mid-race festival offering runners some much needed food & drink, showers, and other amenities. This unique gathering spot will give all participants the rare opportunity to interact with their "other" teammates (those riding in the other van), along with all of the runners.

The course continues directly through the celebrated Antietam Battlefield and then onto the C & O Canal, the Appalachian Trail, and through Harpers Ferry in West Virginia before passing Riley's Lock and entering Great Falls Park in Potomac, MD. Runners will then head toward the historic home stretch, pointing to the finish of a lifetime amidst many of the landmarks that manifest the magnificence of our nation's capital. Teams will wrap up their multi-state adventure against the beautiful backdrop of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and the Kennedy Center, with the finish line located adjacent to the FDR Memorial in the shadows of the Washington Monument.

This inaugural American Odyssey Relay race is limited to 150 teams (each consisting of 12 runners). Each participant will run three separate legs of the 36-segment course, and each team will be equipped with two vans to transport teammates throughout the race. It is expected the winning team will finish in less than 24 hours, although many teams are likely to take between 30 and 36 hours to complete the course.

"We've spent close to a year constructing a course that will be incredibly scenic, safe, and simple to follow," said AOR Race Director Bob Fleshner. "Whether you've done other relays or this will be your first, you'll absolutely love running where the locals run."

Teams will not only experience a remarkable run-down of American history, but they will be doing their part to help others in need. Part of the proceeds from the event will go to The Wellness Community-DC, a charity devoted to helping people affected by cancer.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers as well as to those with the best team name, best costumes, and best van decorations. The course was designed from starting point to finish line with the help of experienced area runners, thus creating the opportunity to "run where the locals run."

Teams are encouraged to sign up immediately to ensure they secure one of the 150 spots. Any group that registers at AmericanOdysseyRelay.com prior to the "Early Registration" deadline of July 31, 2008 will receive one-of-a- kind inaugural American Odyssey Relay long-sleeve t-shirts for each of their runners.

For further info, please contact AOR Race Director Bob Fleshner.