Run to the Beat - RUN TO THE BEAT 2010 LAUNCH PARTY

MUSIC INSPIRED RUNNING KEEPS THEM GOING ALL NIGHT

-24 hour running challenge sees Run to the Beat team cover distance between London and Paris-

29 February, 2010 - Run to the Beat, London's music half marathon, motivated thousands of clubbers over the weekend to swap their dance shoes for a pair of trainers. Professional athletes, fun-runners, clubbers and media formed part of the team that hit the treadmills in a London nightclub for a continuous 24 hour Run to the Beat to raise money and awareness for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

The Run to the Beat team combined forces for 24 hours covering an approximate distance of 240 miles, the equivalent of running from London to Paris. British athletics trio Jenny Meadows, Helen Clitheroe, and Perri Shakes-Drayton kicked off the first three legs with 35-times capped England international and current Leeds Carnegie scrum-half, Andy Gomarsall and Lancashire County Cricket's Stephen Moore also pounding the treadmills in the unusual setting of a London nightclub.

The run spanned from 11am on Friday to 11am on Saturday raising funds and awareness for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Jenny Meadows said, "When I'm out running I often think that if I listen to three tracks that's ten minutes gone, then another three tracks is another ten minutes and so on - music really helps me to just keep on going - it's a way of challenging myself to keep on running! Run to the Beat is a really fun event and definitely one that would inspire me to take on a half marathon in the future!"

Helen Clitheroe added, "I really like the music element of Run to the Beat, it's a fantastic way to get first time runners involved in the event."

Andy Gomarsall commented, "Music has played some memorable moments in my career, most noticeably singing with the boys on the coach at the World Cup in 2007. To link music in with running is an ingenious idea and great way to motivate kids and less sporty adults into fitness. Run to the Beat is a perfect example of how this can be brought together".

Amateur runners, clubbers, and media all played a part in completing the challenge to mark the launch of London's music half marathon, which takes place on Sunday 26th September 2010. The event starts and finishes at the O2 arena in Greenwich with live and recorded music playing around the course. Taking place in a club, the participants could literally Run to the Beat. The benefits of this have been scientifically endorsed by Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University whose 20 years of scientific study into the effects of music on physical performance show that running to the beat can help us raise our game by approximately 10% - meaning that participants should be reaching their optimum performance level whilst enjoying the festival atmosphere and carnival crowd.

City Showcase are the team behind the music that create that special Run to the Beat party atmosphere. Nanette Rigg, Director of City Showcase, said, "Run to the Beat is a fantastic fun event whilst also working hard for many charities. City Showcase loves working on Run to The Beat and showcasing the wonderful wealth of new musical talent to thousands of enthusiastic runners. The musicians really get into it and enjoy inspiring the athletes to get to the finish line. Run to the Beat is a real party for both musicians and athletes alike."

Entries are now open for Run to the Beat 2010 priced at £35. The half marathon will take place on Sunday 26th September, subject to Greenwich Council approval, at The O2.

For further information visit: www.runtothebeat.co.uk.

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