MORE THAN 160 AIDS MARATHONERS TO HIT STREETS AT SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON

Volunteers Have Raised Over $435,000 for AIDS Project Los Angeles

San Francisco, Calif., August 1, 2008 -- Among the registrants in the August 3 San Francisco Marathon are more than 160 people who have trained for six months and raised more than $435,000 for AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) through the National AIDS Marathon Training Program (NAMTP).

The program, begun in 1999, was developed by world-renowned runner and marathon trainer Jeff Galloway. A combination of running and walking, the program is geared toward experienced runners and beginners alike -- anyone with the desire to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in their home city.

Proceeds from the program in Los Angeles benefit APLA, which now marks its 25th year of providing direct services, education programs and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS in our community. Over the past decade, more than 20,000 program participants have raised over $80 million for the fight to end AIDS nationwide.

This season's runners include:

• Marissa Freeman, 30, a make-up artist who was diagnosed with HIV five years ago after a single blind date. Over the past six months, Marissa has revealed her diagnosis to friends and family for the first time as she trained and fundraised for Sunday's event.
• Tad Coughenour, a graphic designer who suffered with a rare and debilitating cancer that, one year ago, prevented him from walking. On Sunday, he'll complete the 13-mile half marathon.
• Jennifer McKay, an interior designer and mother of two whose seven-year-old son, Lucas, donated a month's allowance to the fight against AIDS. He has become one of Jennifer's most inspiring supporters.

"Undaunted by challenging financial times, our AIDS marathoners have raised money and spread the word that people living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles rely more than ever on our community for support," said Craig E. Thompson, executive director of AIDS Project Los Angeles and himself a seven-time AIDS marathoner. "This program gives people a tremendous sense of accomplishment while they contribute in a major way to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles."

Information about the program is available at www.aidsmarathon.com.

AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest non-profit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation. Marking 25 years of service in 2008, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national and global reach. For more information, visit www.apla.org.