Former Olympian, 2004 MCM Winner, MCM Race Director and Others Highlight Online Chat Series at www.marinemarathon.com

Now runners can ask an Olympic athlete how to train for a marathon or a Marine Corps Marathon first place finisher how to stay motivated or a physical therapist how to stay injury free. The Marine Corps Marathon introduces the 2005 Live Chat Series. Log on to marinemarathon.com every other Wednesday at noon eastern for a live chat. The next chat occurs on Wednesday, May 25. Experts from the marathon world like Stan Mavis of Brooks Sports will answer runner-submitted questions about marathon experiences, training tips, diet/nutrition, injury prevention, shoes and apparel.

The chats are open to the general public by logging on to marinemarathon.com and clicking on the chat link. Participate by choosing a username and asking questions or just reading along as a variety of experts assist runners as they prepare for the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon to be held October 31, 2005. The chat series continues throughout the summer until September 28.

MCM online chat schedule:

Learn about the Marine Corps Marathon- Rick Nealis- April 13 and Sept 28- Mr. Nealis has served as the Marine Corps Marathon Director since 1993. Nealis is a marathoner and retired Marine.

Training Tips from Olympian Jeff Galloway- Jeff Galloway- April 27 and July 27- Mr. Galloway is former US Olympian and creator of the walk- run, low mileage marathon training program He also oversees Galloway Productions, which conducts fitness seminars throughout North America.

Learning the Importance of Proper Shoes and Apparel- Craig Vanderhoef- May 11- Mr. Vanderhoef is the Product Manager of Running Apparel and Accessories for Brooks Sports. A marathoner himself, he placed 4th in the 2004 Mercedes Marathon, 3rd in the 2002 Chronicle Marathon, 1st in the 2001 Christmas Marathon, and is a five time Boston Marathon Qualifier.

Using Technical Apparel for a Great Race-Stan Mavis- May 25- A 35-year veteran of running, Stan Mavis is a leading innovator of technical product for the running community as Sr. Vice President of Product for Brooks Sports. Once an American record holder for the 1/2 marathon, Stan continues to be a competitor in marathons and running events.

Staying Motivated- Mary-Kate Bailey- June 8- Ms. Bailey was the winner of the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon finishing at a time of 2:48:31. She became the first active duty female Marine to win the MCM since 1979.

Injury Prevention and Recovery- Dr. Michael Moses- June 22- Dr. Moses specializes in Physical Rehabilitation Therapy, Sports Injury Management, Occupational Health Care and Biomechanics. He has been a Certified Injury Prevention Consultant since 1995. Dr. Moses is a cyclist, runner, swimmer and fitness enthusiast.

Keeping on Pace with Training- Darris- July 13- Darris, a pacer with the Clif Bar Pace Team- a service of Clif Bar aimed at helping all marathoners achieve their timing goals, has run more than 70 marathons. He has paced on target times, ranging from a sub-3:00 to a 5:30 at over 20 marathons, and is returning as a pacer for his fourth year.

Nutrition for a Successful Marathon- Lisa Dorfman- August 10- Ms. Dorfman, author of The Vegetarian Sports Nutrition Guide, is a licensed nutritionist, psychotherapist and certified coach. Dorfman is president of Food Fitness International, Inc., and helps clients by providing professional guidance on food, physical and psychological issues. She has been a competitive athlete since 1988 placing high in marathons, triathlons and various other races.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 30th Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 30, 2005.