Press Release

Source: Team Bingham

Team Bingham to Train Americans to Run San Diego Marathon with Proceeds Going to the Mark Bingham Leadership Fund
Wednesday December 11, 6:01 am ET

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2002--Team Bingham, a group devoted to honoring the memory of Mark Bingham, one of the heroes of Flight 93, announced today that they will begin training anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area to run in the Suzuki Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on June 1, 2003 in San Diego. Following Mark's lead, Team Bingham is devoted to the idea that ordinary people can achieve the extraordinary, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or physical condition. Membership is therefore open to everyone, with any level of prior running experience, who can train with the team in San Francisco. Qualified marathon runners who live outside the Bay Area are welcome to join Team Bingham, without participating in the training program. Team Bingham also encourages corporate sponsorships and individual donations, so that everyone can participate in this unique opportunity to support Mark Bingham's legacy. To that end, all proceeds raised by Team Bingham will be passed through directly to the Mark Bingham Leadership Fund, a scholarship fund created to promote the ideals of courage and leadership, as exemplified by Mark Bingham.

Registration for Team Bingham begins today. Members are asked to contribute a nominal registration fee. The team will begin a five-month training program in early January 2003. Pacific West Athletics, a multi-sport endurance training organization, will provide the training program, giving Team Bingham professional level training staff and resources.

"PacWest is excited and honored to be the chosen training program for the inaugural marathon of Team Bingham," said Jay Ridgeway, PacWest president and coach. "Our programs are designed to support and encourage all levels of athletes, from beginner to advanced, in achieving their fitness goals. Team Bingham is a perfect match."

During the training program, Team Bingham captain Joe Salama will provide fundraising seminars in order to help team members achieve their fundraising minimum.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone who has been touched by Mark's heroism on 9/11 to get involved in the spirit of what he stood for," said Salama. "For those of us who knew him, a natural leader, rugby enthusiast, and a man who ran with the bulls in Pamplona, running a marathon that features 40 live bands and 2,000 cheerleaders is certainly a fitting way to remember him."

To register with Team Bingham, or for more information, please visit www.teambingham.org.

     Team Bingham
     Todd Sarner, 415/312-6268
     pr@teambingham.org