The Official Starter of the 29th Marine Corps Marathon, to be held on October 31, 2004, will be Billy Mills, former United State Marine Corps Captain, Olympic Gold Medalist and the sole American to win the Olympic 10,000 meter race.

"Billy Mills, Olympian, Marine and great humanitarian, embodies the spirit of the Marine Corps Marathon. He is a hero to civilian and military runners the world over," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "It is a great honor that Billy will join us at the 29th Marine Corps Marathon."

Currently, Mills is the national spokesperson of Running Strong for American Indian Youth and making an integral difference in the lives of Indian children throughout the country. Each year he travels as much as 300 days to deliver his message to Native youth based on character, dignity and pride. This October marks the 40th anniversary of Mills' gold medal performance at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.

"I have always credited the support of the Corps to my Olympic success," said Mills. "To be invited to play a part in the Marine Corps Marathon is a thrill."

In addition to appearing at the starting platform, Mills will be a featured speaker at the MCM Pasta Party held on Saturday, October 30 at the race headquarters, the Hyatt Regency Crystal City hotel. Tickets are available for order through the MCM website at www.marinemarathon.com.

Official starters for the MCM's wheelchair and inaugural 8K race have yet to be named.

The Marine Corps Marathon, the country's 7th largest marathon, continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 294,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." Beginning at the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington, Virginia, the MCM course is beautifully scenic, guiding runners around the Pentagon, past the Capitol Building, down the National Mall and by the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Runner's World Magazine ranks the Marine Corps Marathon among the 10 Best Beginner Marathons.

Running Strong for American Indian Youth is a nationally recognized non-profit with the mission of strengthening American Indian communities by creating opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem. Throughout 2004 Running Strong for American Indian Youth will be honoring Mills for the 40th anniversary of his gold medal win.

For information, contact Christine Bannister Moore at the Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations office at (703) 432-1164, or moorecb@quantico.usmc.mil , or Molly Farrell at Running Strong for American Indian Youth at (703) 550-2123.