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Team Challenge Runners & Walkers Raise $1.8 Million for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Research, Education & Support Initiatives

Participants to Cross the Finish Line at Inaugural 13.1 Marathon® Boston Race on Sunday

Boston, MA—June 23, 2010—On Sunday, June 27, 562 runners and walkers of all levels will cross the finish line at the inaugural 13.1 Marathon® Boston after participating in the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's endurance training and fundraising program, Team Challenge (www.ccteamchallenge.org). Hailing from 14 cities around the country, the group collectively raised over $1.8 million for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's research, education, and support initiatives.

Over the past 16-weeks, Team Challenge participants were trained by professional coaches in group settings and received support on nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention. Meanwhile, they raised critical dollars to help the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases.
 
Organized by US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, the inaugural 13.1 Marathon® Boston is supporting the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and its Team Challenge program through an official charity partnership.
 
"The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's partnership with US Road Sports & Entertainment Group has further elevated awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and raised much-needed funds for patients who are suffering from them," said Staci Brown, National Event Director for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. "With so many people suffering from the chronic and debilitating pain of these diseases, involvement with this new and exciting event is allowing the Foundation to break new ground in its awareness-building and fundraising efforts."

Participants will travel to Boston for event weekend, where they will celebrate together and have free time to explore all Boston has to offer with highlights including a pre-race pasta party, entertainment along the half marathon course, and a post-race victory party.
 
Through Team Challenge, over $14.4 million has been raised for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation since the program was launched in 2007. Those interested in challenging themselves, changing lives, and finding cures can run or walk the December 5 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon with Team Challenge.
 
About Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery.  These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Join CCFA on Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/supportccfa/and follow CCFA on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/ccfa.

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