<p> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2009</p><p>CONTACT: Mary Beth Mueller 412-351-7702</p><p>“PERFECT” GREAT RACERS WILL KEEP STREAK ALIVE ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27</p><p>During the past 31 Great Races, they have covered a combined distance of 4,997.2 miles – like running a relay from Pittsburgh to Seattle…and back.</p><p>They are 26 men who have participated in – and finished – every Great Race, starting back on September 25, 1977. They are the “Perfect Great Racers,” and each man has run a total of 192.2 miles during the past 31 Great Races.</p><p>Thousands of racers – including these 26 men – intend to take to the streets of Pittsburgh when the starting gun sounds for the 32nd Great Race on Sunday, Sept. 27.</p><p>“The Great Race has become a true Pittsburgh tradition over the years, far more popular than Mayor Caliguiri could have ever imagined when he decided to organize a ‘fun run’ for the people of Pittsburgh,” said Race Director Mike Radley. “We refer to these 26 men as our ‘Perfect Great Racers’ since they’ve been with us since the first year, way back when race organizers used numbered Popsicle sticks to determine the order of finish.</p><p>“They’ve witnessed many changes over the years, including the introduction of the electronic timing device, a running clinic and a two-day health and fitness expo,” said Radley. “We recognize our Perfect Great Racers’ commitment to this Pittsburgh event.”</p><p>The Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield remains Pennsylvania’s largest 10K race.</p><p>In addition to presenting sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, 2009 Great Race sponsors are Dollar Bank, Allegheny General Hospital, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Del Monte Foods, KDKA- TV, Q92.9, 96.9 BOB FM, Pittsburgh magazine, Port Authority, Southwest Airlines and ARAD.</p><p>For more information, visit www.RunGreatRace.com or call The Great Race hotline at 412-255-2493. - more - SEE ATTACHED LIST OF NAMES “PERFECT” GREAT RACERS PAGE 2</p><p>“ PERFECT” GREAT RACERS</p><p>The following 26 individuals have participated in – and finished – The Great Race for each of the past 31 years (1977 – 2008)*. * 2003 race cancelled</p><p>Tom Abbott Cheswick, PA Richard Baldock Allentown, PA Ken Balkey Churchill, PA Dennis Barnhart Mt. Lebanon, PA Gary Boyd Pittsburgh (Brighton Heights) Leslie Alfred Brody Wexford, PA John Burnheimer Johnstown, PA Bob Costello Connellsville, PA Philip Ehrman Bethel Park, PA Paul Gaberson Forest Hills, PA John George Pittsburgh (Shadyside) Ronald Hannan Pittsburgh (Morningside) Carl Hatfield Bridgeport, WV Wayne Jacobs Shaler, PA Thomas Kennedy Bethel Park, PA Marty Klanchar State College, PA David A. Lester Pittsburgh (Hill District) Jack Marszalek Wilmerding, PA Roger McGuire North Huntingdon, PA Tom Miles Pittsburgh (Banksville) Richard Monheim Edgewood, PA Tom Murphy Pittsburgh (Perry South) Frank Nedwidek Bellevue, PA John Richards III McCandless, PA Rob Ruck Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill) Don Slusser Monroeville, PA</p><p>###</p>