Photo above: Boy Scout volunteers at a Georgetown water station waited for runners in the 2003 Marine Corps Marathon.

On Your Mark, Get Set, "Run Miles, Run"
Mark your calendars for Sept 7, 2005. That's the day the latest and most unique publication from Mascot Books, the Sterling, VA-based publisher of original, hardcover children's books, will be released. In conjunction with the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), Mascot Books has published a 24-page fully illustrated children's book, "Run Miles, Run." The charming tale will appeal to children and adults alike as Miles, the Marine Corps Marathon mascot, journeys through the MCM course. Readers will watch Miles prepare to run the race, greet Marines, pass beautifully rendered DC landmarks including the Washington Monument and cross the famed MCM finish line. Along the way, readers will learn about noted monuments, good nutrition and the importance of staying physically fit.

"I am proud to extend the MCM's message of health and fitness to the next generation of marathoners," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "'Run Miles Run' expands on the importance of exercise and physical fitness, values the MCM and Healthy Kids Fun Run reinforce."

Mascot Books will support the families of injured and fallen Marines by donating $2 to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society from every online purchase of 'Run Miles Run'. Simply log on to www.mascotbooks.com and enter the promotion code, "MCM" anytime through December 31st (pre- orders are already being accepted). Runners will get a great memento of the MCM and support American heroes in the process.

"We are grateful to Mascot Books and the Marine Corps Marathon for their patriotic partnership," said John Alexander, Director of Communications for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. "Using this annual prestigious event as an opportunity to generate funds to help our men and women in uniform and their families is highly commendable and truly appreciated."

A Call for Marine Corps Marathon Volunteers
Subway to Provide Healthy, Fresh Meals
Volunteers are still needed to help at water stations, the hospitality areas, baggage tent, medical stations and information. Groups are welcome and encouraged.

Subway is the title sponsor for the 30th anniversary MCM volunteer program to be held Sunday, October 30, 2005 in Washington, D.C.

"Subway is very excited to participate in the partnership with the MCM," said Barbara Glaub Urban, VP Northeast Region MarketSmart Advertising for Subway. "I am thrilled we can help the marathon promote fitness and healthy eating in the community."

Subway will be providing food support for hundreds of civilian and Marine volunteers who help coordinate the MCM Runners' Expo on October 28 and 29 at the DC Armory and marathon day activities. Volunteers will be feasting on healthy and fresh sandwiches like savory turkey and veggie.

"I am pleased to welcome Subway as the title sponsor for the MCM Volunteer program this year," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "Volunteers help make the MCM run smoothly and this is one great way we can show our appreciation for all their hard work."

About MascotBooks
Mascot Books was founded 2003 by Aimee Aryal when she decided to write a story for her older daughter, then two years old, about her alma mater's mascot, the Virginia Tech Hokie Bird. In 2004, Mascot Books profitably sold over 40,000 books. The company currently has 45 titles in circulation and can be reached at www.mascotbooks.com

About Subway
In December of 2001, Subway eclipsed McDonald's as the fast- food franchise with the most locations in the United States, with 13,247 Subways to McDonald's 13,099. Subway has been named the best franchise opportunity in all categories by Entrepreneur Magazine in its 2005 Franchise 500, an annual ranking of the top 500 franchise opportunities in the United States. What's more, Subway has been ranked first a record-breaking 13 times over the last 16 years. Subway holds several outstanding awards including the 2003 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Award in the Quick Serve Food Category, the 2002 "Gold Award" in Restaurants & Institutions "Choice in Chains" for best sandwich and bread, and the 2001 "MenuMasters Award" for "Best Menu/Line Extension" from Nation's Restaurant News for the Subway Selects gourmet sandwiches. Subway now has 23,823 locations in 83 countries. The company was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965, and is headquartered in Milford, Connecticut. www.subway.com

No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.