press release

CHICAGO MARATHON WELCOMES AUTISM RUNNERS BACK FOR 4TH YEAR IN A ROW

Chicago, Illinois – The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has invited the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and its RUN FOR AUTISM to participate in the 31st running on Sunday, October 12, 2008. This will mark the fourth consecutive year that OAR has been a Charity Partner in this world famous race. Join a field of 40,000 runners, enjoy the scenic 26.2 mile course, including the Sears Tower, Lake Michigan, and downtown Chicago, and bask in the spirit of the expected 1.2 million spectators. OAR welcomes you to join OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM — Chicago team.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the most prestigious races in the world and entries into the race are in high demand.RUN FOR AUTISM has a limited amount of entriesthat are provided to team members that are committed to competing and raising funds for autism.If you want to be part of the 2008 RUN FOR AUTISM — Chicago Team. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM - Chicago Team, you are choosing to be a part of a group of committed individuals taking on a personal fitness challenge and raising funds for autism research.

Each member of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team receives team gear and training and fundraising support. OAR has a no pressure, “set and meet your own goal” fundraising requirement until the race registration officially closes. “It’s worked well for us to this point,” said OAR Executive Director Mike Maloney. “The people who choose to run for us invariably believe in the cause and OAR’s work. Motivating them to fundraise has not been a problem as past results clearly demonstrate.”

Since 2003, the RUN FOR AUTISM has raised more than $1.4 million and invested that same amount in various research studies, all this while establishing itself as one of the most welcoming and rewarding charity running programs in the U.S. In addition to the Chicago Marathon, OAR will have RUN FOR AUTISM teams in the New York Half Marathon in July and the Marine Corps Marathon and 10K in October. OAR has entries for each race. Pick your race, and choose your city.

For more information or to sign up for the 2008 RUN FOR AUTISM, please visit www.researchautism.org/news/run or contact Doug Marooco at 866-366-9710.

About OAR - The Organization for Autism Research is a national, non-profit organization with the sole purpose of promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers and individuals with autism and Asperger Syndrome find much needed answers to fuller and more complete lives. Since 2002, OAR has awarded more than $1.4 million for applied research studies and published four resource guides in its Life Journey through Autism guide series: A Parent’s Guide to Research, An Educator’s Guide to Autism, An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and A Guide for Transition to Adulthood.