Marine Corps Marathon Partners with Virginia Hospital Center Offers Free Health Screenings Blood Pressure Screenings, Grip Strength Testing will be available in the Finish Festival

The Virginia Hospital Center and the Marine Corps Marathon announced today the local health care center will provide blood pressure screenings, grip strength testing, nutrition checks and health related information as part of their new partnership for the upcoming 30th anniversary MCM to be held Sunday, October 30, 2005, in Washington, D.C.

"Virginia Hospital Center is proud to be a sponsor of the 30th Marine Corps Marathon," says Archie McPherson, MD, Vice President & Chief Medical Officer of Virginia Hospital Center. "The Marathon has a rich history and tradition and the Hospital is happy to be associated with the program and to be able to provide an enthusiastic group of participants this year as in the past."

The following services will be offered in the Finish Festival Tent: Blood Pressure Screening: Life threatening complications, such as heart attacks, kidney disease, and stroke, can develop when high blood pressure exists. The first step in controlling high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly. This screening will measure blood pressure and provide tips to keep a healthy heart.

Grip Strength: This test helps to determine just how strong a grip is.
Nutrition Booth: See the displays of "Hidden Time Bombs," using vials to show the amount of sugar, fat and salt in your favorite foods. Discover "Fun with Muscle and Fat" as participants will be able to experience first hand what five pounds of fat looks and feels like versus five pounds of muscle. Learn tips for "Healthy Eating Out" and how to make smart, nutritional choices on the go.
Men's & Women's Health Booth: This hands-on booth provides a variety of information on cancer reduction, heart health and disease prevention.

"MCM Runners and their families are already health conscious individuals," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "By partnering with Virginia Hospital Center and offering these screenings, the MCM is giving individual insight on build on the commitment to health they've established by participating in the marathon."

About the MCM
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 Marine Corps Marathon is the seventh largest marathon in the United States and eleventh largest in the world. Open to all runners who are physically fit, the MCM welcomes runners from all 50 US States and more than 40 countries. Weekend Events include the two-day Runners' Expo, held for the first time at the DC Armory in 2005. The Runner's Expo welcomes more than 100,000 guests to view over 200 booths offering commemorative products, health demonstrations and a wide variety of running-related merchandise. www.marinemarathon.com.

About the Virginia Hospital Center
For over 60 years, Virginia Hospital Center has provided exceptional medical services to the Washington metropolitan area. In November, Virginia Hospital Center celebrated the Grand Opening of a new $150 million state-of-the-art facility. Virginia Hospital Center offers comprehensive healthcare and multiple Centers of Excellence including Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery, Oncology, and Women & Infant Health. Growing service lines include Neuroscience and the only Lung Cancer Center in Northern Virginia. Virginia Hospital Center is a teaching hospital, long-associated with Georgetown University's School of Medicine, and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health.

For additional information, please visit www.virginiahospitalcenter.com. For media information, contact Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165, or E-mail. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.