East Coast running revolution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, HALIFAX - Halifax's running scene is about to be taken by storm

In an effort to improve the options available to athletes on Canada's East Coast, two avid runners have created a unique race management company.

United by Running is the brainchild of Nova Scotians Michelle Kempton and Stacy Chesnutt. With more than 25,000 miles of experience between them, these two race directors are bound to deliver what runners are looking for.

Kempton and Chesnutt are focused on developing a positive race atmosphere and fostering a feeling of belonging within a running community.

They've gathered the best elements of races they’ve attended around the world to create new, destination races in the Halifax area. Athletes from across the country and around the world will be lured by scenic routes, promise of prize draws, swag in the race kits, fun contests, designer race shirts, race photos, healthy food, bling at the finish line and prize money too!

United by Running will present three premier races in 2012:

• On a summer evening in June, Sole Sisters Women’s Race will be the first 5K all-women’s race in Nova Scotia. This race will celebrate the strength of female runners and the lifelong relationships developed through running.

• September is the nicest month of the year in Nova Scotia. That’s why United by Running chose this month for their largest event, the Maritime Marathon. Offering four distances (5K, 10K, half-marathon or full-marathon) along a coastline route, this race is everything Maritimes: from ocean to pirates and of course, beer! It is sure to excite everyone, especially with booty (cash prizes) at the finish line!

• November will wrap up the race season with a team event called Lucky Seven Relay. Racers will be encouraged to create dream teams of three or they can “try their luck” and be randomly paired with two other runners. Each member will run 7K in a team half-marathon. There will be plenty of random prize draws and jackpots too, especially for people who cross the finish line seventh, seventy-seventh or seven-hundred and seventy-seven!

These races will unquestionably be the most anticipated races in Nova Scotia next year and will revolutionize racing on the East Coast.

For more information, contact:
Michelle Kempton or Stacy Chesnutt
United by Running
(902) 877-9355
www.unitedbyrunning.com
info@unitedbyrunning.com

Background - Biographies

Michelle Kempton was born and raised in Nova Scotia, she’s is a half-marathoner and very content to finish in the middle-of-the pack. She’s a co-founder of the largest running club in Nova Scotia, Heart & Sole Running Club, and regularly has speaking engagements covering running topics from goal-setting to how to avoid bra chafing. This enthusiastic freelance writer has been published in national running magazines, local newspapers and sports blogs. Kempton decided to start running four years ago to lose weight. After her incredible transformation of losing 120lbs, Kempton has inspired people across Canada by her story and instructed hundreds of new runners in Learn-to-Run clinics.

Stacy Chesnutt has been running for 24 years and has raced in 28 marathons and too many half-marathons to count. She races as often as possible and will not travel unless it’s for a race. As a result, she has raced in London, Prague, Spain and throughout North America. Originally born in Nashville, Tennessee, Chesnutt spent much of her adult life in New York City and moved to Nova Scotia in 2006. Chesnutt proudly considers herself an AmeriCanadian and has made the East Coast her home. Chesnutt runs to win and is a fierce competitor on the start line. She is most proud of completing seven Ironman races, including the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She has a marathon PR of 3:07 but really hopes to bring that below three hours by the time she hangs up her racing flats. Chesnutt is an avid triathlete who will always love running best. Chesnutt devotes her spare time to charities and encouraging young girls to boost their self esteem through running.