press release

MARINE CORPS MARATHON
WELCOMES AUTISM RUNNERS BACK FOR 6TH YEAR IN A ROW!

Arlington, Virginia – The Marine Corps Marathon has invited the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and its RUN FOR AUTISM to participate in the 33rd running on October 26, 2008.  This will mark the sixth consecutive year that OAR has been a Charity Partner in this world famous race.  Often called “The People’s Marathon” because of its broad appeal to first-time marathoners , the event includes a 10K race in addition to the marathon.  OAR welcomes runners of all levels to join its 2008 RUN FOR AUTISM – Washington, D.C. Team for either race.

The RUN FOR AUTISM is OAR’s signature fund raising effort.  Joining OAR’s team allows you and your friends to avoid the rush of open registration and “SIGN UP NOW” for this year’s Marine Corps Marathon or 10K before open registration even begins.  By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM – Washington, D.C. Team, you are choosing to be part of a special group of dedicated individuals taking on a personal fitness challenge and raising funds for autism research.

Each member of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team receives team gear and training and fundraising support. OAR has a no pressure, “set and meet your own goal” fundraising requirement until the race registration officially closes. “It’s worked well for us to this point,” said OAR Executive Director Mike Maloney. “The people who choose to run for us invariably believe in the cause and OAR’s work. Motivating them to fundraise has not been a problem as past results clearly demonstrate.”

Since 2003, the RUN FOR AUTISM has raised more than $1.4 million and invested that same amount of money in various autism research studies, all this while establishing itself as one of the most welcoming and rewarding charity running programs in the U.S. In addition to the Marine Corps Marathon, OAR will have RUN FOR AUTISM teams in the Cleveland Marathon in May, the New York City Half Marathon in July, and the Chicago Marathon in October. OAR has entries for each race. Pick your race, and choose your city.

For more information or to sign up for the 2008 RUN FOR AUTISM, please visit www.researchautism.org/news/run or contact Doug Marocco at 703-243-9712.

About OAR - The Organization for Autism Research is a national, non-profit organization with the sole purpose of promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers and individuals with autism and Asperger Syndrome find much needed answers to fuller and more complete lives. Since 2002, OAR has awarded more than $1.4 million for applied research studies and published four resource guides in its Life Journey through Autism guide series: A Parent’s Guide to Research, An Educator’s Guide to Autism, An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and A Guide for Transition to Adulthood.