KANSAS CITY, MO (April 23, 2008) - The 35th annual Hospital Hill Run, the oldest running event in Kansas City, has evolved into a vital vehicle for local and national charities to raise money for their respective charities

US Track & Field reported in October 2007 that $714 million was raised for charity by runners and walkers across the US. "Running for charity is definitely becoming a trend and I'm extremely excited to bring this program to the 2008 Hospital Hill Run, "commented Charity Director Kristina Olkowski. "The Hospital Hill Run event seems to be the perfect match for individuals, communities, and charities to raise money and build hope for the causes they support."

Hospital Hill Run Charities have set a fundraising minimum for runners/walkers to raise on behalf of the organization. It is up to the charity runner/walker to raise the funds which will result in enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, improving the lives of students, providing necessities for the homeless and much more. Financial pledges will generate hands-on service, educational seminars, mentoring, and medical research which will open many avenues of care-giving and leadership. "In all, lives will positively be enhanced due to the cumulative efforts of runners/walkers and charity team organizers," said Olkowski.

The Hospital Hill Run Charity program is proud to introduce you to our Official and Affiliated Charities taking part in this inaugural program.

Official Charities: Affiliated Charities:

American Liver Foundation Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Girls on the Run American Cancer Society - Kansas City

Habitat for Humanity Kansas City Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Hillcrest Transitional Housing Don Linville Memorial Fund

Kansas City REGAP Saint Luke's Women's Health Center

KEEN Kansas City LLC

Marian Hope for Children Therapy

Ozanam

Quest to Walk - Spinal Cord Injury

TLC for Children and Families

"I am very excited about the new Charity Program", stated Race Director Beth Salinger. "Through their fundraising efforts, hundreds of Hospital Hill Run participants' experiences will be more meaningful through dedication to important causes."

Runners may register online at hospitalhillrun.com until the participation cap of 5,000 has been reached. If you are interested in partnering with one of our Official or Affiliated charities, please go to http://www.hospitalhillrun.com/charity/ and click on the charity of your choice.

About The Hospital Hill Run

Hospital Hill Run is the oldest road race in Kansas City. First held in 1974 with a field of 99 runners, Hospital Hill Run grew in size and stature in the ensuing years to the point that it was named one of the top races in the country by Runner's World magazine. Competitors included such running legends as Olympic gold medalists Frank Shorter and Billy Mills and running legends Bill Rodgers and Jim Ryun, as well as over 100,000 ordinary Kansas and Missouri citizens running for the challenge, fun and fitness. The largest Hospital Hill Run field was in 1983 when 4,173 runners took to the streets. In 2007 over 3,500 athletes came to participate in the 34th annual Hospital Hill Run, a crowd not seen since 1991. As a long-standing Kansas City event, the event has kept up with the changing running community by altering the run's distance, adding premium items, and offering ChampionChip Timing. However, the focus has always been on the athlete and their experience!

The 35th running of the Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon, 10K and UMKC School of Medicine 5K will take place on Saturday June 7, 2008, at AM. For more information or to register for The Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon, 10K or the UMKC School of Medicine 5K log onto www.hospitalhillrun.com