Competitor Group Launches Registration for SunTrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon

August 1, 2011

• SunTrust National Marathon to rebrand as SunTrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon in 2012
• Free entry to first runner who registers from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia
• Two-day registration promotion runs through Tuesday, August 2 on Competitor.com

San Diego, Calif. & Washington, DC – August, 1, 2011 – Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the leading media and event resource in the active lifestyle industry, and the Greater Washington Sports Alliance were joined today by Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Council Chairman Kwame Brown to officially announce a new partnership for the SunTrust National Marathon in Washington DC. The marathon and half-marathon will be rebranded as SunTrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA under CGI’s flagship Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, with the SunTrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon & CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012.

“Washington DC has an incredible running scene and a plethora of great musicians, making us the perfect city to host a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. It’s a winning combination for a spectacular event in the District of Columbia next year,” said Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray. “I heartily welcome anything that improves the health and wellness of our community and certainly welcome anything that generates revenue for our great city. That’s why you’ll see me at the starting line in March.”

The event is the only marathon run entirely within the District of Columbia, featuring a picturesque route through the nation’s capital that highlights the many monuments and landmarks which celebrate American history. Registration is now open online, featuring a special 50 state challenge offering a free entry to the first participant to register from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Free entry winners will be announced throughout the week on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RnRUSA. A special 48- hour promotional price of $60 for the half-marathon and $75 for the marathon is available online. The price increases on Wednesday, August 3 to $80 for the half and $95 for the marathon.

“We know that Washington DC is one of the great running markets in the country and we are excited to celebrate the history and pageantry of our nation’s capital with the SunTrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon next spring,” said Peter Englehart, CEO of CGI. “With a scenic race course that highlights the many patriotic monuments and spectacular landmarks throughout the capital, we intend to market this event to runners around the world as a unique way to the experience the wealth of attractions that define our country’s history.”

The Washington DC event will become the 26^th tour stop in the international series of entertainment themed marathons and half-marathons, which are known for lining race routes with live bands and fanfare at each mile. The series, which started in San Diego in 1998, has spearheaded an active lifestyle movement that provides a healthy, entertainment outlet for people from all walks of life.

“We are more than thrilled to partner with Competitor Group and to welcome the Rock ‘n’ Roll brand to our community,” said Robert T. Sweeney, President of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance, the previous owners of the event who will continue to assist with local operations. “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series makes running fun, and today more people than ever are turning to the sport for the health benefits and personal challenge of reaching the finish line. With the continued partnership from our title sponsors SunTrust and CareFirst, we are looking forward to March 17, 2012.”

In true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, Washington DC runners will be treated to a post-race finish line concert after the event. All runners receive free entry to the concert, which in 2010 featured headliner acts including Everclear, Five for Fighting, Pat Benatar & REO Speedwagon, Blues Traveler, Neon Trees and Bret Michaels. The events have become a fundraising powerhouse for charity endurance-training programs, such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society^® and Susan G. Komen for the Cure^® who have raised in excess of $256 million through the series since 1998.

For more information or to register of the SunTrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon & CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon, visit RunRocknRoll.com.