Courtesy: event press release

A first-of-its kind U.S. Olympic Trials support program will make its debut on February 19th at the Freescale Austin Marathon, as over 40 American Olympic hopefuls charge the fastest course in the world to qualify for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. As it celebrates its 15th anniversary, the 2006 Freescale Austin Marathon aims to produce more Olympic Trials qualifiers than any other marathon in the nation. Greg McMillan, Austin Marathon elite athlete recruiter and trainer to world-class runners, recruited Olympic Trials hopefuls to Austin to kick off the Olympic Development Program's inaugural year on the Freescale course. According to McMillan, these athletes chose the Freescale Marathon over other races because they are familiar with the city's reputation as a friendly, supportive running community. "These competitors are also familiar with the Austin Marathon Foundation, which created this program and tailored it to their needs, providing unparalleled athlete support before and during the race," said McMillan.

"Austin, hosts over 90 organized runs each year, but every February our attention, and the eyes of the running world, are on the Freescale Austin Marathon. We are thrilled to welcome the Olympic Trials athletes to our city and look forward to watching them start their journey toward the Olympic Games, " said Austin Mayor Will Wynn, who has made fitness and nutrition a priority for Austin's adults and kids.

The athletes include mothers, fathers, school teachers, medical school students, athletes running in memory of others, and runners continuing a family tradition of athletic excellence. Through the Olympic Development Training Program, the Austin running community is supporting these athletes with donations to help pay for travel and training costs. Many families are also offering a spot in their homes to host an athlete during marathon weekend. To learn more about how to support these athletes, visit www.freescaleaustinmarathon.com or contact them at (512) 478-4265.