FAMILIES Magazine encourages student participation in October 30th Healthy Kids One Mile Fun Run with an award to top school

29th Marine Corps Marathon on October 31, 2004
Known around the world for his signature portrayal of loud, aggressive, screaming military figures, retired U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant and successful actor R. Lee Ermey will be an honorary starter of the 29th Marine Corps Marathon, joining fellow Marine and 1964 Olympic Gold Medal winner Billy Mills on the starting platform. The MCM will be held on Sunday, October 31 in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Ermey spent eleven years in the Marine Corps, two of which he served as a Drill Instructor, before studying film at the University of Manila in the Philippines. Landing a role in the film "Apocalypse Now" launched an acting career that includes appearances in roughly forty films such as Full Metal Jacket, Dead Man Walking and Switchback. His recognizable southern- accented verbal tirades have appeared on the Simpsons and in both Toy Story movies.

Most recently Ermey has become known as the host of Mail Call, the weekly History Channel series that answers viewer's questions about technology used throughout history by the Armed Forces.

"R. Lee Ermey uses his tremendous character and wonderful acting abilities to give so many a glimpse into the Marine Corps," said Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon Race Director. "His presence at this year's Marine Corps Marathon will energize the participants and add to the intensity of the day's events."

$500 Physical Education Scholarship to be Awarded to School with Most Participants
The Marine Corps Marathon annually rewards the school with highest number of students participating in the Healthy Kids Fun Run with the Healthy School Award. Washington Families, a proud sponsor of the Healthy Kids Fun Run, today announced an additional incentive by providing a $500 donation to the physical education department of the winning school.

"Over the years, physical activity has taken a back seat to TV, computer and video games. We're so excited here at FAMILIES Magazines, Inc. to partner with the Marine Corps Marathon to promote physical fitness in children, especially through the FAMILIES Magazine Healthy School Award," said Brenda M. Hyde, publisher of FAMILIES Magazine. "Not only are active children more physically fit, but they are more socially and developmentally well-rounded. The school is the most logical place to encourage physical fitness, as children's educational experiences shape their personalities and goals."

The Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by The Washington Post will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington, Virginia. Pre-event activities begin at 8:30 a.m. The Healthy Kids Fun Run is open to runners ages 6-13. The one-mile run incorporates the same finish line as the 29th Annual Marine Corps Marathon, which will be held Sunday, October 31, 2004. Registration is $10 in advance or, during race weekend, a donation of a new, unwrapped $10 toy to be donated to the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tot's Campaign.

The victorious school receives the Healthy School Award, presented during a special assembly held by MCM staff members and Miles, the MCM Mascot.

"All of the schools that take part will be winners because they will have a school full of motivated students ready to get healthy," stated Rick Nealis, Race Director of the Marine Corps Marathon.

Any school wishing to partake in the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy School Challenge can find race information, fitness and nutrition tips and registration information at www.marinemarathon.com on the kids' newsletter page.