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For Immediate Release

MARY WITTENBERG INVITES EVERYONE UNDER “THE BIG TENT”
IN THIS WEEK’S “THE INSIDE TRACK” GUEST COLUMN

Wittenberg encourages event organizers to join forces to create a broader platform

NEW YORK (May 27, 2010) — New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg discusses the merits of running and track & field event organizers joining forces in today’s “The Inside Track” guest column. “The Inside Track” is a six-part guest columnist series that will serve as a prelude to the adidas Grand Prix on Saturday, June 12, at Icahn Stadium in New York City.
 
Wittenberg uses the idea of “The Big Tent” to explain the benefits of organizations within the sport coming together: “It’s a concept we often hear in the context of politics of gathering and embracing many different points of view and constituencies under one umbrella to pursue shared goals. It’s a philosophy and a strategy that should also be embraced by the running industry.”
 
Wittenberg explains how a partnership between NYRR and Global Athletics & Marketing further demonstrates this concept: “Saturday, June 12, in New York City is a perfect example of the Big Tent philosophy at work. At NYRR, we are proud and excited to be part of a huge day of running in New York City that is sure to please running enthusiasts and generate considerable national and global media interest.”
 
To view the complete text, visit www.adidasgrandprix.com. Join in the discussion about this and other athletics topics on the adidas Grand Prix Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/adidasGrandPrix) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/adidasGrandPrix).
 
In addition to Boldon, other guest columnists include: Steve Holman, American Olympian and a former 3:50 miler; Dick Patrick, former USA Today athletics beat writer; Ato Boldon, four-time Olympic medalist for Trinidad and Tobago and current television broadcast analyst; Jocelyn Robiot, Vice President Global Sports Marketing for adidas International; and Sebastian Coe, four-time British Olympic medalist and current chairman of the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.
 
The adidas Grand Prix, in its sixth year, is the nation’s premier outdoor track & field invitational meet. It features Olympic stars, the Jim Ryun High School Dream Mile for top high school athletes and the NYC Mayor’s Cup Fastest Kids competition for youth in the tristate area. Increased and upgraded backstretch seating at track level is being added to accommodate the growing demand and interest from fans in the New York area.
 
Tickets and transportation information is available now at www.adidasgrandprix.com or by calling 1-877-TIX-TRAC. Remaining tickets for the event will be made available on June 2 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. Media interested in covering the event can access the accreditation application at www.adidasgrandprix.com. The deadline for applying is Monday, May 31.
 
About RISF
Icahn Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility on Randall’s Island featuring a 400-meter Mondo track and covered seating for spectators, is the premier outdoor track-and-field venue in New York City. It was built by the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF) in partnership with New York City Department of Parks. The facility is programmed, operated and maintained by RISF.