FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Shirley Pratt
Marathoner / Principal Fundraiser
,
http://www.21RunSalute.org</a>

Marathoner to Run for Troops: Orlando woman plans to run 21 marathons in
nine months to raise funds for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
(TAPS) and Operation USO Care Package.

ORLANDO, FL (PRWEB) August 4, 2004 –- Orlando runner Shirley Pratt plans to
run 21 full marathons in nine months to honor and support U.S. armed forces
involved in the global war on terrorism. Her 21 Run Salute campaign will
span 20 different states and Washington D.C., and raise money for two
charities, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the
Operation USO Care Package. Pratt will begin running marathons every one to
two weeks starting in September, 2004, until Memorial Day weekend, 2005.

Pratt, 42, is a long-time runner who began running marathons only last year
but has already run 12 marathons and won several awards. She is a certified
group fitness instructor, running coach, and second degree Black Belt
martial artist.

“Running 21 marathons in nine months will be a challenge, but our troops
and their families are the ones enduring incredible hardships and making
real sacrifices on our behalf,” says Pratt. “Each race is dedicated to
service members from the state or area of the country where the race is
being held. I’m happy to accept contributions of any size knowing that
thousands of small contributions can accomplish a lot for our troops and
their families, as well as larger corporate donations. And if anyone else
would like to run for our troops, I’ve come up with a way they can do that
as well.”

Having found no major charity teams running for the troops, Pratt has
organized this effort on her own and is also forming virtual running teams
who together will run 21 races (any distance) to complete their own 21 Run
Salute. Funds raised by the 21 Run Salute campaign will help families of
service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their
country and raise the morale of troops who are in harms way now. For more
information or to donate, visit www.21RunSalute.org</a>.

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