* Creators of the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey and Arizona Odyssey Relay Runs announce the American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure, a joint venture with Maryland-based Xtend Fitness.

* Event to occur spring 2009.

People Burning Fat Productions announced today its latest relay run, the American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure, which will occur in the Washington D.C. area. The approximately 200-mile course will traverse Civil War battlefields and other historic locations.

"Like our other relays, the American Odyssey will be a first-class destination event that attracts visitors from around the country and the world," said Eric Lerude, president of People Burning Fat Productions. "This is our most ambitious effort to date, with an extraordinarily scenic course that showcases many attractions and historical points of interest."

Bethesda-based Xtend Fitness is producing the American Odyssey in partnership with People Burning Fat Productions. Xtend Fitness President Bob Fleshner is serving as the event director. He has almost 30 years experience running and has been involved in planning numerous events in the Washington, DC running community.

"We're extremely excited to host this event, which is the first of its kind in the region. These types of races draw thousands of runners in other parts of the country, and we have all of the opportunity to rival similar world-class relay runs. I can't wait to share our great running resources with other runners," said Fleshner.

The American Odyssey course will be divided into 36 legs. Teams of 12 run three legs each. It will take about 24 hours to complete the relay. Relay organizers are currently in the process of obtaining approvals and permits for the course. The event is expected to occur in spring 2009.

People Burning Fat Productions has founded and produced two additional relay runs: the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey, which is prepping for its fourth year, and the Arizona Odyssey, which celebrates its inaugural event October 12 - 13.

About People Burning Fat Productions
Founded in 2004, People Burning Fat Productions is an event production company specializing in 24-hour relay runs. It owns and operates the Arizona Odyssey Relay Run Adventure, the American Relay Run Adventure, and the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure, which is entering its fourth year.

The Arizona Odyssey is a 195-mile, 24-hour relay run that circles the greater Tucson Metropolitan area. It kicks off at the historic Rillito Downs Park Racetrack and weaves through Agua Caliente Park, Bear Canyon, Sabino Canyon, the Saguaro National Parks, and the Tohono O'Odham Indian Reservation among other Southern Arizona landmarks.

Andy Bunkse is the event director of the Arizona Odyssey. He can be reached at (602) 476-2596. For more information, visit Arizona Odyssey.

The Reno-Tahoe Odyssey is a 178-mile relay run starting in Reno, traveling up into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, along the western shoreline of Lake Tahoe, down to the Carson Valley, through Virginia City and back to Reno.

Eric Lerude is the founder and event director of the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey. He can be reached at (775) 825-3399. For more information, visit Reno-Tahoe Odyssey.

The American Odyssey is an approximately 200-mile course that kicks off in Gettysburg, PA before weaving through Maryland and finishing near the Mall in Washington, DC. Event organizers are currently seeking approvals for the relay, which is expected to occur spring 2009. Bob Fleshner is the event director. He can be reached at (301)706-2266.