For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Justin Burke - 213.201.1525

EMAIL:jburke@apla.org

RUN FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME AND TO HELP
PEOPLE LIVING WITH AIDS– TRAINING FOR THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL MARATHON BEGINS NOVEMBER 2, 2002

LOS ANGELES -- Oct. 23, 2002 -- Runners participating in the National AIDS Marathon Training Program will head to British Columbia Canada for the Vancouver International Marathon on May 4, 2003. A world-class training program for the Vancouver Marathon begins November 2, 2002 and is designed for both experienced runners and beginners and people who are committed to raise awareness and funds for those living with HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from the Marathon Training Program will help fund services at AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA). For information or to register, please call the National AIDS Marathon Training Program at (213) 201-1400 or by visiting www.aidsmarathon.com.

Participants receive round-trip air travel and hotel accommodations, as well as a complete training program including a running coach, training materials and organized pace group runs. Participants must raise at least $2,800 to travel with the group to Vancouver in May. The training program provides assistance with soliciting sponsors, such as sample letters and fundraising party ideas.

The six-month program, based on training principles created by Olympian and world-renowned marathoner Jeff Galloway, is geared for all levels of athletes from beginners to experienced runners to safely prepare for a 26.2 mile run. The training program combines running and walking to prepare participants to complete the Marathon.

“The AIDS Marathon is an important program that helps raise funds for services for men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS,” said Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director, AIDS Project Los Angeles. “Training and completing a marathon is an incredible personal achievement. So is raising funds for people living with HIV and AIDS.”

AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), which this year marks 20 years of prevention, advocacy and service, provides direct services to more than 10,000 men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County. Services include prevention education, food banks, professional dental care, housing assistance, mental health counseling and case management. APLA is a leader in the provision of bilingual HIV treatment information, in print and on the Internet, and advocates for effective AIDS-related policies and legislation on the local, state and federal level. For more information, please visit www.apla.org.

The National AIDS Marathon Training Program was developed by Walk-The-Talk Productions in 1998 to raise money for urgently needed AIDS services. In the past four years, nearly 9,000 people have successfully completed the training program and raised $25 million for the fight to end AIDS.

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