ING Run for Something Better

Running for a Healthy Future, Rock ‘n’ Roll-Style

2010 ING KiDS ROCK Las Vegas presented by McDonald’s supported by ING Run For Something Better 

Las Vegas, NV – November 29, 2010 –On Saturday, December 4th, hundreds of local children will rock a mini-marathon of their very own at ING KiDS ROCK Las Vegas presented by McDonald’s. This year’s race, held at a new location at Sunset Park in Las Vegas, coincides with The Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon to Benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, which is expected to bring more than 30,000 runners and walkers to the Strip on Sunday, December 5th.

As participants in the ING KiDS ROCK program, young athletes become marathon finishers by completing 25.2 miles of a marathon at their own pace with guidance from parents or teachers. Children can run their miles anywhere or whenever they want, such as at home, during recess at school, or soccer practice. They will keep track of their mileage based on the honor system with supervision from a parent, teacher or facilitator. The training program also includes tips to help kids start and maintain an overall healthy and active lifestyle.

“As the official charity of ING KiDS ROCK, the ING Run For Something Better program is helping to get kids on the road to adopting healthier lifestyles as a way to combat childhood obesity,” said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and senior vice president, ING’s Office of Corporate Responsibility and Multicultural Affairs. “ING KiDS Rock is a fun way for kids to achieve a sense of accomplishment for their discipline leading up the event, and we hope they continue running for years to come.”

The cumulative marathon program is capped off by a non-competitive, non-timed one-mile fun run for kids grades K-6. Each participant will run or walk one mile, cross the finish line and receive a finisher’s medal and goodies to commemorate the accomplishment. McDonald’s will provide apple dippers and bottled water as a healthy post-race snack.

“Supporting healthy initiatives for children is an important part of our commitment to the local community,” said James Vance, McDonalds Owner and President of Greater Las Vegas McDonald’s Owner/Operator’s Association. “This is such a fun way to introduce kids to an activity that can easily become part of their daily lifestyle as they grow.”

The event takes place on Saturday, December 4th, at 8 a.m. in Sunset Park. To register or for more information, visit INGkidsrock.com

About ING KiDS ROCK Las Vegas presented by McDonald’s

ING KiDS ROCK Las Vegas presented by McDonald’s is a cumulative marathon program capped by a non-competitive, non-timed one-mile fun run for kids grades K-6. As participants in the ING KiDS ROCK program, young athletes become marathon finishers by completing 25.2 miles of a marathon at their own pace with guidance from parents or teachers. The ING KiDS ROCK Las Vegas event plans to motivate children to live a healthy lifestyle. They can learn early on that running can be fun and goals can be attainable. On Saturday, Dec. 4, all participants will meet to run one mile together. Each participant will run or walk one mile, cross the finish line and receive a finisher’s medal and goodies to commemorate the accomplishment. More information is available at: INGkidsrock.com

About ING Run For Something Better

ING Run For Something Better® helps fund school-based running programs in an effort to combat childhood obesity before it ever begins. Linked to ING’s commitment to education, the program helps introduce kids to the benefits of sport, a habit of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Nationally, ING has committed over $2.5 million to fund grants and school-based running programs through ING Run For Something Better. Since 2006, $1 million has also been raised by individual donors through a special charitable fund that encourages others to support the cause through their own contributions. When someone donates $10 or more to ING Run For Something Better, ING will recognize their contribution by giving them a special pair of orange shoelaces to wear showing that they are “tied” to supporting kids’ fitness. One hundred percent of the net proceeds go to the ING Run For Something Better fitness programs. For more information about the orange laces, go to www.orangelaces.com.

About The Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon to Benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

The Competitor Group’s marquee event, The Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon to Benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, will rock the Strip on Sunday, Dec. 5. The Boulevard will be booming as nearly 30,000 runners and walkers make their way to the finish line to the electrifying beats of some of Vegas’ hottest music sensations. The race will also feature runners dressed as Elvis, a run through wedding chapel, and a two-day Health & Fitness Expo. For more information, visit Competitor.com or call (800) 311-1255.

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