America's newest relay, the American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure has chosen The Wellness Community - Greater Washington, DC as its philanthropic partner. The inaugural American Odyssey Relay, a 24-hour, 200 mile race, will begin in Gettysburg, PA on April 24, 2009 and end in Washington, DC on April 25, 2009. The Wellness Community - Greater Washington, DC (TWC-DC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free programs of emotional support, education, and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. Through participation in professionally - led support groups, educational workshops, and mind/body programs based on peer- reviewed, evidence-based research, people affected by cancer can learn vital skills to regain control, reduce feelings of isolation, and restore hope - regardless of the stage of disease. Most importantly, TWC-DC provides a home-like setting for people with cancer where they can connect with and learn from each other.

The American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure will have teams of 12 runners to cover the 36 race segments of approximately three to eight miles each. Each runner covers three segments of the race. The relay course begins in the historic Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg, passes through many different terrains and finishes in West Potomac Park near the Lincoln Memorial.

American Odyssey President Bob Fleshner said about the upcoming relay, "We are proud to support The Wellness Community-Greater Washington, DC's free programs for people with cancer and their loved ones. We believe that their philosophy of helping people with cancer work towards wellness is a great fit for this event."

A portion of the proceeds from the American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure will be donated to TWC-DC to enable it to continue providing these services.

The American Odyssey Relay is also an excellent complement to TWC-DC's Strides for Hope program, a marathon training program whose participants raise funds to support The Wellness Community. TWC-DC organizes two walk or run events a year and has already committed at least one team to participate in the American Odyssey Relay.

For additional information about The American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure visit www.americanodysseyrelay.com.
For more information about The Wellness Community call 301-493- 5002 or visit www.thewellnesscommunity.org/dc.