Press Room


MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon Kicks off “5 Months to 5
Miles,” SMU Cox Corporate Relay Challenge

Cox Corporate Relay Challenge puts fitness in the workplace

July 8, 2010 (Dallas, TX)- The SMU Cox Corporate Relay Challenge, presented by Behringer Harvard and the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon relay-training program, 5 Months to 5 Miles, not only provides fitness and fun for office teammates, but may also boost productivity in the workplace.
 
“We’re excited about the increasing popularity of the SMU Cox Corporate Relay Challenge as a way for members of the Dallas business community to encourage some healthy competition during one of the biggest community events in the Metroplex.” said Phil Baker, Chairman of the DWRM board. “The 5 Months to 5 Miles program continues to be a great way for runners competing in any MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon relay to prepare for their leg of the race.”
 
It is known that exercise is a healthy habit, but research shows being fit can make you a better worker. Just 30 minutes of exercise four times a week boosts your energy level and improves your mood. It also acts as a stress-buffer and reduces stress levels. Additionally, numerous studies have shown that exercise can help reverse the clock on brain aging as well. And in the workplace, it can help improve cognitive abilities such as concentration, organization and planning.
 
The 5 Months to 5 Miles training program was developed by Diane Proud, running pro at the Cooper Fitness Center, and is divided into basic, intermediate and advanced levels. Each level consists of a 20-week program that helps trainees build their endurance gradually by walking, running, cross and strength training and utilizing flexibility exercises. The program kicks off on Monday, July 19 and information can be found at www.runtherock.com under the “training” section.
 
The SMU Cox Corporate Relay Challenge presented by Behringer Harvard consists of five person relay teams who participate in one leg of the full marathon (26.2 miles total). Each team member must be an employee of the same company.
 
Winning teams will share a purse of more than $30,000 in prize money, which will be given directly to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, the beneficiary of the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon in the names of their respective corporations.
 
“Our sponsorship and participation in the Corporate Relay Challenge has been a key factor in helping our employees build camaraderie, while encouraging healthy lifestyles as well,” said Brad Behringer of Behringer Harvard. “We’re also pleased to be a part of the charitable support that directly benefits the children at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.”
 
“We are delighted to support Texas Scottish Rite Hospitable for Children through our annual sponsorship of the SMU Cox Corporate Relay Challenge,” said Albert W. Niemi, Jr., dean of SMU Cox School of Business. “This event is a terrific opportunity for the Dallas business community to join together and give back in a very rewarding way.”
 
Among all other benefits mentioned, these fitness programs are great networking opportunities and help create corporate relationships for all of those involved. To register for the SMU Cox Corporate Relay Challenge, presented by Behringer Harvard, or for more information, please visit www.runtherock.com.
 
 

Dallas White Rock Marathon Announces New Home for 2010 Race

Significant growth in marathon, half marathon and relay brings
improvements to Dallas’ largest single day spectator event

Dallas, TX (May 17, 2010)—The board of MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children today announced major changes to the 40 year-old marathon event. In an effort to meet the needs of the growing number of participants in the marathon, half marathon and relay, the 2010 MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon will move its start and finish to Fair Park.

“Over the last 5 years, we’ve seen tremendous participant growth in our marathon, half marathon and relay,” said Phil Baker, chairman of the Dallas White Rock Marathon board. “We need a start and finish location that allows us the space to put on the best race possible for our 20,000+ participants and numerous spectators. Our new venue at Fair Park will also provide us with room to expand as we continue to grow our marathon event year after year.”

The move to Fair Park also means an earlier date for the annual marathon, as well as an improved marathon course and a new half marathon course. The 2010 Dallas White Rock Marathon will take place on December 5, 2010.

“This race was built by runners for runners, and that’s why for forty years we’ve been able to put on an event that combines a flat, fast course with entertainment at every mile, committed volunteers and hundreds of thousands of spectators cheering our participants across the finish line,” said Marcus Grunewald, executive race director. “This move to Fair Park affords us the opportunity to build upon the things that make our marathon great, which will in turn enhance the experience each participant has as they run the Rock. “

Marathon officials are currently working with Dallas city officials to designate new race courses for the marathon and half marathon that take runners through diverse areas of Dallas, highlighting the most beautiful and historic sections of the city, including the start and finish at Fair Park, one of the most historic sites in Dallas.

“We’re excited about the marathon’s move to Fair Park,” said Craig Holcomb, President of Friends of Fair Park. “Both entities are Dallas institutions, part of the fabric of what makes our city great. We’re looking forward to introducing runners from all over the world to historic Fair Park.”

Over the next few months, more information will be announced regarding the course and other new additions to the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon. For information about the race or its beneficiary, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, please visit www.runtherock.com.