Running Legend Receives Road Runner Akron Marathon Ambassador Award

ROAD RUNNER AKRON MARATHON AMBASSADOR AWARD (Sept. 24, 2009) - Each year, the Road Runner Akron Marathon recognizes individuals who have demonstrated superior service and dedication to the running industry with its Ambassador Award. This year's recipient will be Bill Rodgers, running legend and four-time winner of both the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon in the late 1970s.

"I enjoy visiting the Road Runner Akron Marathon and running it," Bill Rodgers said. "This year's going to be particularly special... I'm getting to both run in the race and receive the Ambassador Award, which is a great honor."

Rodgers, 62, was ranked number one in the world by Track & Field News three times in the 1970s and has won countless running awards during the past three decades.

In 1998, Rodgers was a first round inductee of the National Distance Running Hall Of Fame in Utica, N.Y. He was also inducted at a Los Angeles venue on December 3, 1999, to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame located in Indianapolis.

The annual Ambassador Award, which began in 2008, will be given to Rodgers on Friday at the Mayor's Reception.

"To receive this award, the candidate must exceed specific criteria," said Anne Bitong, executive director of the Road Runner Akron Marathon. "They must have sustained significant contributions toward advancing the sport of running, community support, leadership, health and fitness and a positive impact on society in general. The Board of Trustees assembles and reviews the possible recipients, ultimately choosing the best candidate. Bill was, by far, the top choice this year!"

There are certain duties the Ambassador must fulfill. These include interviews with media and other organizations, as well as participating in key events involving the Road Runner Akron Marathon.

Additional information on the Ambassador Award and the Road Runner Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Novo Nordisk 5-PersonTeam Relays is available at www.akronmarathon.org or by calling (330) 375-2786 (2RUN).

About Road Runner Akron Marathon
The Road Runner Akron Marathon is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated to promoting health and fitness. Additional information on the Road Runner Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Novo Nordisk 5-Person Team Relays is available at www.akronmarathon.org or by calling (330) 375-2786 (2RUN).