Palo Alto Family Ymca Announces Registration Now Open For Marsh Madness Walk & Run Saturday, October

Online, September 23, 2009 (Newswire.com) - PALO ALTO, CA - September 23, 2009 - The Palo Alto Family Ymca announced today that its third annual Marsh Madness 10k/5k run and walk is now officially open for interested participants to register at www.marshmadnessrun.org. Taking place at the Palo Alto Baylands October 24th, the fitness event, co-sponsored by Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, was created to raise funds and promote community awareness to fight an increasing number of youth health problems including poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, youth obesity, and adult-onset diabetes.

"Marsh Madness is one of the most important initiatives of the year for The Palo Alto Family Ymca because all of the money raised directly benefits the health of our local teens and youth," said Scott Glissmeyer, Executive Director of the Palo Alto Family Ymca. "We're able to partner with local businesses and organizations to affect the long-term future of our community. Additionally, it's a great opportunity for us to interact with event participants who allow us to touch the lives of many and progress youth development in the community."

The Marsh Madness run/walk event was created to generate action toward youth health issues, and 100% of funds raised from the walk/run will support a variety of Ymca programs which help local youth and teens maintain an overall enhanced and healthy quality of life. These include programs such as Activate Youth supporting underserved elementary school students with healthy lifestyles, the Youth Fitness Series, and Noon Time Sports at local elementary schools.

The event begins at 10 a.m. with the 10K run starting at 10:20 a.m., and the 5K walk and run beginning at 10:25 a.m. Following the walk and run, participants can expect free food and awards, along with live music featuring acclaimed Blues musician Kenny Blue Ray and Friends.

To participate in Marsh Madness, the adult entry fee is $40, and for ages 17 and under, the cost is only $20. All Ymca members receive a $5 discount. And, those who pre-register before October 22 will receive a $10 discount. Marsh Madness is a professionally timed event on a USA Track and Field (USATF) certified course.

Sponsors for Marsh Madness include the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Roadrunner Sports, Stanford Hospitals and Clinics, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Wahoo Tacos, Palo Alto Daily News, and Firehouse Brewery, Hobee's, and Runner's . Various levels of sponsorships are still available. For more information on the Palo Alto Family Ymca and Marsh Madness, please contact Jason Berry at [email protected] . For all media inquiries, please contact Tina Casalino at [email protected]