The Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest, held in Virginia Beach, Virginia will be adding an 8K Middle School Challenge to its three day event in March 2008. The middle school students will run in the same race and begin at the same time as all of the other 8K participants. Sponsored by ShoreBreak, the aim of the Middle School Challenge is to continue to spread knowledge to young students about the increasing issue of obesity in our country.

The addition of the ShoreBreak Middle School Challenge will be the third children's race added to the Shamrock Sportsfest. In 2006, Shamrock initiated the "final mile" for elementary aged students. The kids run 25.2 miles on their own in the weeks leading up to Shamrock. They come to the Sportsfest in March to complete their "final mile" on the boardwalk with all of their elementary school friends. Another children's race put on is the Children's Marathon held for kids aged 6 months through 5 years. These kids complete a 26.2 yard dash.

The goal Shamrock now holds is to spread the awareness of obesity to middle school students. In addition, a major purpose is to teach children that exercising, and running in particular, is fun! Some of the things Shamrock will be providing for the Middle School Challenge are training schedules, training logs, incentives provided by ShoreBreak, and prize money to the school with the highest participation rate. Matt Falvey, owner of ShoreBreak is very enthusiastic about the upcoming event. "We are excited about sponsoring the Shorebreak Middle School Challenge. We hope that by participating in the challenge local students will be embarking on a lifetime of physical fitness," says Falvey. Be sure to visit Shamrock's web site for upcoming information regarding the ShoreBreak Middle School Challenge.

Yuengling's Shamrock Sportsfest now hosts more than 16,000 participants for its five different races. Participants come from all 50 states with an average age of 38 years old. This non-profit organization supports charities such as the Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, the Joy Fund, and Operation Smile.

For more information about the ShoreBreak Middle School Challenge, please contact Kristyn Shiring at (757) 412-1056 or E-mail.