Top Distance Runners To Compete at
2002 New Balance Maine Distance Festival
in Brunswick on July 6

- Fox Sports Network To Telecast Meet -

Top Americans, international stars and high school standouts will compete in the New Balance Maine Distance Festival to be held at the Whittier Fields at Bowdoin College in Brunswick on Saturday, July 6, from 5:15 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Men's elite runner Otukile Lekote, from Botswana, who competed and won last year's 800 meter (1:46.57) will look to defend his title again this year after recently winning the 800m title at the NCAA Championships in New Orleans. Returning in the women's field is American and Team New Balance member Jennifer Toomey, who broke the 800-meter record (2:01.05) at the 2001 meet. In addition, the event will feature top high school athletes competing in the 800m and the mile.

"New Balance has always been committed to supporting distance running in North America," says Jennifer Fennelly, Marketing Promotions Coordinator, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. "Since we have three manufacturing facilities in Maine, New Balance is proud to support such a great track meet in our own backyard."

The 2002 New Balance Maine Distance Festival will also be telecast nationally for the first time on Fox Sports Network on July 16 at 3:30 PM and at 11:30 a.m. on July 23. The broadcast will feature the event's elite races in the 800m, 1,500m and 5000m distances, as well as the men's 3,000m steeplechase.

"This year's New Balance Maine Distance Festival will once again showcase some of the top national and international distance runners," said Steve Podgajny, Meet Director. "We always have an extremely competitive field that includes many former all-Americans, Olympians and national champions."

In its 9th year, the New Balance Maine Distance Festival will also feature a special Kids Day festival starting at 3:30 p.m. More than 100 five through twelve-year-olds will participate in various track and field events such as the long jump, hurtles, 100 meter dash and 400 meter dash. Winners will receive New Balance athletic gear, including shoes, hats and socks.

For more information about the New Balance Maine Distance Festival, part of the CanAm High Performance Distance Circuit, please visit Maine Distance Proceeds from the Festival will go to Special Olympics Maine.

New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure sports, and kids. Work and hiking boots, sandals, boat shoes, and rugged casuals are also available through the company's Dunham Bootmakers division. Dunham joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2,400 people around the globe, and in 2001 reported worldwide sales of $1.16 billion. For more information please visit New Balance