Photo: The leaders near mile 21 in the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon.

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) today announced inspirational marathon champion Dick Beardsley as the featured speaker at the MCM Celebration Dinners on Saturday, October 29 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The entertainment lineup for the first Healthy Kids Pasta Bash was also unveiled to include local a capella band Cartoon Johnny and an energizing program featuring Ronald McDonald.

"To be asked to speak at the 30th anniversary of the MCM is a great honor for me," said Beardsley, former winner of the London Marathon and Grandma's Marathon. "It is one of the premier citizens marathon in the world and I will be ready to rally the 'running troops' onto the finish line!"

A farm boy from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Beardsley is best know for his epic showdown at the 1982 Boston Marathon with Alberto Salazar. The two men ran head to head in a fight to win the race. With a time of 2:08:54, Beardsley lost by a mere two seconds.

Runners, family and friends are cordially invited to listen to Beardsley's motivational words and commemorate three decades of "The People's Marathon" at the MCM Celebration Dinners. Tickets remain available for the 7:45 p.m. seating. The first seating at 6 p.m. has been sold out. The party includes an elegant pasta dinner buffet, lively entertainment, a traditional Marine Corps ceremony and coveted prizes including airfare from Jet Blue Airways. Tickets are $30 per person and children four years and under are free.

For a more kid-friendly carb load, check out the Healthy Kids Pasta Bash on Saturday, October 29 at 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Hosted by Cartoon Johnny, a DC-based energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella, the 90-minute, family fun pasta party features live kid-friendly entertainment with an emphasis on good health and fitness. Special entertainment includes the Get Movin' With Ronald McDonald Show , a performance that encourages kids to interact through music, dancing and games. The carb-orrific menu guides guests through a boot camp of healthy eating including four-star pasta, Oorah vegetables, Semper Fi salad, devil dog dessert and more. Kids of all ages will get motivated with Miles, the Marine Corps Marathon mascot. Costs are $30 for adults, $14 for children 13 and under, and children 4 & under eat free. Get $9 off adult ticket price (limit two) with the purchase of a child's ticket.

Tickets to both events may be ordered online at marinemarathon.com or by calling 1-800 RUN USMC. 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.