St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly childhood diseases, and Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), organizers of the Country Music Marathon, today announced a new title partnership as the official benefiting charity of the Country Music Marathon. The 2012 event will be rebranded as the St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan and will take place Saturday, April 28th.

“The St. Jude Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon is the perfect match for St Jude’s rich history with the country music industry and our St. Jude Heroes program,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The event is truly a marriage of fitness enthusiasts and country fans alike nationwide who want to do something meaningful in the fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.”

Among the 30,000 runners and walkers who annually participate in Nashville’s 26.2-mile block party will be members of the St. Jude Heroes team who are Running For a Reason®, to support and save the lives of children as they go thru some of the toughest times of their lives.

Over the past 12 years, the St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon has established itself as a Nashville institution, now bringing more than 30,000 runners to a city long known for its musical genius. Runners enjoy many of Nashville’s most historic sites like the Parthenon, world-renowned Music Row and an expansive finish line festival outside the Tennessee Titan’s home, LP Field, located along the Cumberland River.

“While I believe each and every event Competitor Group organizes is spectacular, the St. Jude Country Music Marathon is my personal favorite,” said Tracy Sundlun, Senior Vice-President of CGI and a founder of the Nashville race. “We are excited to launch a new era of the marathon by partnering with St. Jude and their incredible national network of supporters and country music radio stations, which will take the promotion of this event and the City of Nashville to a whole new level, bringing many more participants and visitors to experience this great city on the last Saturday of each April.”

Over its 12-year history, charity partners have raised more than $22.3 million through the Country Music Marathon, which has become one of the largest and most successful fundraising platforms in the state of Tennessee.  The best music Nashville has to offer will be stationed along the route, for spectators and participants to enjoy.  Full line-up to be announced in the coming months.

For more information, or to register for the event, please visit Competitor.com.

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