Press Release - National Marathon - 2/15/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

        SunTrust Banks on National Marathon as New Title Sponsor
             Partnership Starts Off on the Right Foot with 
                Community Support and Focus on Charity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Marathon proudly welcomes SunTrust, one of 
the nation's largest banking organizations, as the new title sponsor of its 
2008 marathon and half marathon this week. The National Marathon on March 
29th is the only marathon run entirely within the District of Columbia.

SunTrust is a title or instrumental lead sponsor in many marathon and foot 
racing events, such as the SunTrust Richmond Marathon and Rock 'N' Roll 
Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. The bank promotes these activities as 
community outreach outlets with employees taking part in race related 
volunteer and team building activities. "We are excited to welcome the 
National Marathon into the SunTrust family of marathon sponsorships," says 
Scott Wilfong, Chairman, President and CEO of SunTrust Bank, Greater 
Washington/Maryland. "SunTrust is proud of our reputation for strong 
support to the community; and we are pleased to have found in the National 
Marathon an event and team who share our mission to promote civic pride and 
responsibility in our neighborhoods."

With over 1600 branches throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, 
over 230 of which are located in the Greater Washington/Maryland area, 
SunTrust strives to be a proactive member of its local community. "Having 
SunTrust, a great local partner, as the title sponsor of the National 
Marathon is a perfect match," says Robert Sweeney, Greater Washington 
Sports Alliance President.
"We are looking forward to incorporating existing SunTrust community 
initiatives into our already strong focus on youth and community 
investment."

One particular match is the current SunTrust 'My Cause' program that offers 
clients the choice to have SunTrust make a $100 donation in their name to 
any of more than one million IRS-recognized charitable causes in the U.S. 
or to receive a $50 gift card for their own personal use. "This tie-in will 
bring a good deal of visibility to the race," says Race Director Keith 
Dowling, "while providing another opportunity to raise money for the
National Marathon's efforts toward the Greater Washington Sports Alliance 
League of Charities."

For more information on the SunTrust National Marathon, visit
www.NationalMarathon.com.


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