FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2009
CONTACT:
Mary Beth Mueller
412-351-7702
“PERFECT” GREAT RACERS
WILL KEEP STREAK ALIVE ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
During the past 31 Great Races, they have covered a combined distance of 4,997.2 miles – like
running a relay from Pittsburgh to Seattle…and back.
They are 26 men who have participated in – and finished – every Great Race, starting back on
September 25, 1977. They are the “Perfect Great Racers,” and each man has run a total of
192.2 miles during the past 31 Great Races.
Thousands of racers – including these 26 men – intend to take to the streets of
Pittsburgh when the starting gun sounds for the 32nd Great Race on Sunday, Sept. 27.
“The Great Race has become a true Pittsburgh tradition over the years, far more popular than
Mayor Caliguiri could have ever imagined when he decided to organize a ‘fun run’ for the people
of Pittsburgh,” said Race Director Mike Radley. “We refer to these 26 men as our ‘Perfect Great
Racers’ since they’ve been with us since the first year, way back when race organizers used
numbered Popsicle sticks to determine the order of finish.
“They’ve witnessed many changes over the years, including the introduction of the electronic
timing device, a running clinic and a two-day health and fitness expo,” said Radley. “We
recognize our Perfect Great Racers’ commitment to this Pittsburgh event.”
The Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue
Shield remains Pennsylvania’s largest 10K race.
In addition to presenting sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, 2009 Great Race sponsors
are Dollar Bank, Allegheny General Hospital, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Del Monte Foods, KDKATV, Q92.9, 96.9 BOB FM, Pittsburgh magazine, Port Authority, Southwest Airlines and ARAD.
For more information, visit www.RunGreatRace.com or call The Great Race hotline at
412-255-2493.
- more SEE ATTACHED LIST OF NAMES
“PERFECT” GREAT RACERS
PAGE 2
“PERFECT” GREAT RACERS
The following 26 individuals have participated in – and finished – The Great Race for
each of the past 31 years (1977 – 2008)*.
* 2003 race cancelled
Tom Abbott
Richard Baldock
Ken Balkey
Dennis Barnhart
Gary Boyd
Leslie Alfred Brody
John Burnheimer
Bob Costello
Philip Ehrman
Paul Gaberson
John George
Ronald Hannan
Carl Hatfield
Wayne Jacobs
Thomas Kennedy
Marty Klanchar
David A. Lester
Jack Marszalek
Roger McGuire
Tom Miles
Richard Monheim
Tom Murphy
Frank Nedwidek
John Richards III
Rob Ruck
Don Slusser
Cheswick, PA
Allentown, PA
Churchill, PA
Mt. Lebanon, PA
Pittsburgh (Brighton Heights)
Wexford, PA
Johnstown, PA
Connellsville, PA
Bethel Park, PA
Forest Hills, PA
Pittsburgh (Shadyside)
Pittsburgh (Morningside)
Bridgeport, WV
Shaler, PA
Bethel Park, PA
State College, PA
Pittsburgh (Hill District)
Wilmerding, PA
North Huntingdon, PA
Pittsburgh (Banksville)
Edgewood, PA
Pittsburgh (Perry South)
Bellevue, PA
McCandless, PA
Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill)
Monroeville, PA
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