FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2015 CONTACT: Jess Cover jess@runvermont.org, 802.863.8412

Burlington, Vermont (April 13, 2015) – RunVermont is pleased to announce the 2015 inductees into the RunVermont Hall of Fame. The 2015 honorees represent a wide array of contributions to Vermont’s vibrant running community. All of the individuals have devoted years of service to the sport of running and have been active participants with a large breadth of engagements. In the time since the 2014 inductions were completed RunVermont has conducted an extensive review of the history and future of the Hall of Fame. The results of this activity has been a significant enhancement to the Hall of Fame which will now honor recipients in several categories: Charter Members – the original members from the Vermont City Marathon Hall of Fame who received recognition for participation is every edition of the race from its inception in 1989 until 1998. Legacy Members – those individuals whose contributions enabled the development of either the Vermont City Marathon and/or that of RunVermont. These members are appointed by the HOF Evaluation Committee. Runners of Distinction – those individuals, with a sustained running presence in Vermont, who’s running achievements and results place them in a performance category that separates them from their peers and contemporaries. Coaches – those individuals who have made sustained and recognizable contributions to the development of Vermont’s running communities, events and runners that distinguishes them from their peers and contemporaries.

The 2015 RunVermont Hall of Fame Inductees are: Scott Bliss – long time track and cross country coach at Champlain Valley Union High School; his developmental approach to coaching has earned 12 state championships, 3 New England championships and 2 Nike Nationals qualifiers. As well as Numerous other contributions to the sport of distance running.

Howie Atherton – a founding member of the Vermont City Marathon who remains active with the race to this day; currently serving as a course captain. Long time contributor as both a runner and a volunteer to Green Mountain Athletic Association events, RunVermont events and others.

Jim Strouse – a founding member of the Vermont City Marathon, original Board Chair of VCM, Certified USATF official, VT HS track & field official, official of the Burlington International Games, long time runner and race volunteer for events across Vermont.

John Scheer – another founding member of the Vermont City Marathon and its second Race Director, securing the development and continuity of Vermont’s premier running event at a critical stage of its development. An avid member of the Green Mountain Athletic Association and his participation in the sport goes back to his days at Burlington High School, where he was a member of the cross country and track teams.

The formal induction ceremonies will be conducted at a reception during the Sport and Fitness Expo, on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 6pm in the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center as a part of the weekend festivities of the 2015 People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon and Relay. RunVermont is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to the promotion of running as a life-long activity through complementary programs that celebrate the athletic spirit, are recognized nationally, and embrace the Vermont community. In addition to its premier Memorial Day weekend events; Peoples United Bank Vermont City Marathon and the MVP Health Care YAM Scram, RunVermont presents the FirstRun Burlington 5k each January, The Half Marathon Unplugged in April, Island Vines 10k in September, Ready, Set, Run spring and summer youth running programs as well as consulting, timing and race services support for other Vermont running events.