Photo below: Race Director Rick Nealis (left) accepts the award from Craig Masback.

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) today received the USA Track & Field (USATF) 2003 Charitable Race of the Year Award in a special ceremony at Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant in Washington, DC. USATF CEO Craig Masback presented the crystal award to MCM Race Director Rick Nealis in front of an audience that included representatives of more than 17 of the 2004 MCM Charity Partners.

"The Marine Corps Marathon is honored to receive this recognition and proud to have members from our charity partners by our side for this presentation," said Nealis. "Enabling participants to dedicate their runs to generating funds for a charitable cause and helping find new cures is a wonderful element of the MCM."

In presenting the award, Masback said that "Running is an antidote to the problems facing America," and alluded to obesity, diabetes, drug abuse, depression, and other ailments. He added that the Marine Corps Marathon, known as "the People's Marathon, treats everyone as a VIP." He added that Nealis is particularly well-suited to the job of race director because he "understands running, the business of running, and the Marine Corps."

Developed in 1998, the MCM Charity Partner Program has provided a platform for organizations to generate more than $32 million. In 2003, MCM Charity Partners raised more than $8 million. Charities use guaranteed spots in the always sold-out event to raise funds for their individual causes. Runners sign up with a charity, receive a race entry, and fund raise, often participating in an accompanying training program. A USATF study revealed that across the country charity runners raised approximately $563 million in 2003.

Nealis, who has been race director since 1993, said that 38 charity partners are involved in the 2004 MCM, and include many smaller charities, such as an organization devoted to helping those injured in the Iraq war.

The MCM charity partners will begin intensive recruiting and training programs following the end of the MCM online registration lottery on June 2, 2004. Interested runners can visit the MCM Charity page to view the wide variety of causes taking part in this year's program.

Photo above: Rick Nealis and Craig Masback pose with representatives of the 2004 charity partners.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship, and patriotism. Since its inception, more than 293,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname, "The People's Marathon." Runner's World magazine ranks the Marine Corps Marathon among the 10 Best Beginner Marathons.