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RUNNING MAN: Famed distance runner and coach Jeff Galloway joins runDisney

RUNNING MAN: Famed distance runner and coach Jeff Galloway poses Sept. 2, 2010 in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., Galloway, one of the leading marathon trainers in the country, is the official training consultant to the new “runDisney’’ series of endurance events. Galloway will be offering his unique training tips and programs at all runDisney events as well as at rundisney.com and facebook.com/rundisney. (Paul Hiffmeyer/photographer)

PKG: Jeff Galloway: Olympian and Running Expert Joins runDisney Team as Official Training Consultant

Jeff Galloway, one of America’s foremost marathon trainers, has been named the official training consultant to Disney’s series of endurance events, which has been rebranded runDisney. Galloway, a 1972 Olympian and founder of the popular Galloway Marathon Training Program, will offer his running and training expertise to beginners as well as experienced runners, helping runners of all ages lead more active lifestyles. Galloway’s unique training methods and tips will be available to runners through online runDisney videos and programs, as well as through special Galloway appearances at all runDisney events.

B-Roll: Highlights from 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon

Marathon Training Guru Jeff Galloway Named Official Training Consultant For Newly Branded runDisney Race Series

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2010) – Jeff Galloway, one of America’s foremost marathon trainers, has been named the official training consultant to Disney’s series of endurance events, which has been rebranded runDisney.

Galloway, a 1972 Olympian and founder of the popular Galloway Marathon Training Program, will offer his running and training expertise to beginners as well as experienced runners, helping runners of all ages lead more active lifestyles. Galloway’s unique training methods and tips will be available to runners through online runDisney videos and programs, as well as through special Galloway appearances at all runDisney events.

The runDisney brand brings together all four current Disney marathon and half marathon weekends to create a unique series of destination races that offer one-of-a-kind running experiences for the more than 75,000 people who compete in runDisney events annually. All runDisney events feature various races through Disney theme parks, signature Disney characters and entertainment, first-class event management and exclusive race medals. The upcoming lineup of runDisney events include the Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon (October), the Walt Disney World Marathon presented by CIGNA (January) and Disney’s Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker (February).

The new runDisney brand also includes a new website, rundisney.com, which will provide runners with a wealth of running-related information and content, from Galloway training videos to endurance tips to complete runDisney event information. Additionally, newly launched facebook.com/rundisney will provide opportunities for the endurance community to connect and interact with runDisney.

“The runDisney brand greater aligns our incredible collection of race weekends, which are designed as destination events offering family fun for runners of all ages and levels,” said Faron Kelley, director of Marketing, Disney Sports. “And now with access to Jeff Galloway, those runners will be able to enhance their running experience at Disney, which we hope will lead them to live healthier and more active lives.”

Galloway, who has completed all 17 Walt Disney World Marathons, is well known around the world for his highly successful Run-Walk-Run method to improve performance and avoid injuries. He is a member of the Road Runners Club of America Hall of Fame as well as the Westminster School Hall of Fame, and has a bronze bust in the Nike Walk of Fame in Oregon.

A renowned authority on endurance training, Galloway is a best-selling author and a regular columnist for Runner’s World magazine. In his four decades of endurance training, he has coached more than 200,000 runners and walkers, and helped stage hundreds of races, events and clinics throughout the United States and internationally.

“The runDisney events are widely respected and are all favorites among runners everywhere,” Galloway said. “I’m really excited about working with Disney to help the beginners get started, to push the experienced runners to improve their performance and to help everyone at runDisney events have even more fun.”

About runDisney

The runDisney series is a collection of marathon and half marathon event weekends that provide runners unique opportunities to run through Disney theme parks. Race participants also get to earn Disney-themed medals, experience legendary Disney entertainment and guest service, and ultimately celebrate their accomplishments with a Disney vacation. The original event in the series, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA, takes place each January and features both marathon and half marathon distances. Other races at Walt Disney World in Florida include Disney’s Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker in February and the new Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon in October. The Disneyland Half Marathon takes place each September in California. More than 75,000 people participate in runDisney events each year. For more information visit rundisney.com.

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Media Contact:

Walt Disney World Resort

Tony Morreale, 407/566-6397

RUNDISNEY/9-2-10:tm

LAP OF PET LUXURY: Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort at Walt Disney World

LAP OF PET LUXURY: Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort, now open at Walt Disney World Resort, offers plush accommodations and VIP (very important pet) suites for cats, dogs and other pets while their families are on vacation. Located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, the Best Friends resort can accommodate up to 300 pets, including “pocket” pets such as hamsters, rabbits, turtles and birds. (Garth Vaughan, photographer) 0830BZ_0522GV

SEE SPOT RUN: ...to the new Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort

SEE SPOT RUN: ...to the new Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort, which opened with fanfare and plenty of tail wagging Sept. 1, 2010, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Mickey Mouse’s favorite pet, Pluto, joined Dennis Dolan (left), CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, Inc. and Phil Bernard (right), vice president of Operating Participants for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, to welcome the pet resort’s first guests. The one-of-a-kind pet resort can accommodate up to 300 pets for daytime and overnight boarding. Special pooch pampering is available in VIP (Very Important Pet) suites with television, raised bedding and private outdoor covered yards. Feline guests can relax in cozy “kitty condos,” and “pocket pets” can enjoy their own space in a separate room. The resort is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. (Garth Vaughan, photographer)

SPLASH, SHAKE, REPEAT: Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort

SPLASH, SHAKE, REPEAT: Doggy guests at the Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort run through the canines-only splash-and-play area of the resort’s private dog park. Pet owners who stop by to walk and visit with their dogs can stroll the fenced walking trail with their pets or watch them play in the park. (Garth Vaughan, photographer) 0830BZ_1520GV

DOGGONE GOOD STORY: Best Friends Pet Care offers VIP luxury suites for pets

DOGGONE GOOD STORY: Best Friends Pet Care associate Whitney Jansen reads a bedtime story to Moxie in one of the new luxury resort’s VIP suites. In addition to bedtime stories, dogs can enjoy DVD entertainment and TV shows like “Animal Planet,” as well as ice-cream treats made especially for dogs. (Garth Vaughan, photographer) 0830BZ_0971GV and 0830BZ_1003GV

GO-HOME-FRESH GROOMING: Best Friends Pet Care offers luxury baths and haircuts for pet guests

GO-HOME-FRESH GROOMING: Best Friends Pet Care groomers Olga Kudinova (left) and Shelley Hanna (right) put the finishing touches on two special guests at the Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort at Walt Disney World Resort. The resort’s grooming salon offers “go-home-fresh” baths and haircuts for its pet guests. (Garth Vaughan, photographer) 0830BZ_1176GV

POCKET PETS WELCOME: “Pocket pets” that include rabbits, hamsters, birds, turtles and other species welcome at Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort

POCKET PETS WELCOME: “Pocket pets” that include rabbits, hamsters, birds, turtles and other species can stay in special accommodations at Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort at Walt Disney World Resort. Here, Best Friends associate Jackie Cunningham cuddles Mr. Bunny, a mini-Angora, in the Pocket Pet Room. (Garth Vaughan, photographer) 0830BZ_1216GV