PHOTO/VIDEO OP - UBC Welcomes Running Room Founder John Stanton as the
Renowned Retailer Opens Store on Campus

- Charity Run in Support of Honour House and Appearance by Olympic Gold Medallist Ben Rutledge Round Out Grand Opening Celebrations -

VANCOUVER, Sept. 14 /CNW/ - As UBC students head back to school this year, they'll have a surprise in store - a Running Room store that is - as the retailer opens its 96th Canadian store right on campus. Wednesday, September 15th will see the much-anticipated grand opening celebrations kick off with World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Ben Rutledge honoured for his spirit of athleticism, determination and sportsmanship. Running Room founder John Stanton, a recent recipient of the Order of Canada for his contributions to promoting physical fitness and active lifestyles, will meet and greet the crowd and kick off a 5K run/2.5K walk, joined by Allan DeGenova, President of Honour House Society, a charity who provides free, temporary accommodation for the families of Canadian Forces personnel and first responders (ambulance, fire, police) while they or their families are receiving medical care in Metro Vancouver. An expected 200 runners will participate in the charity event to benefit Honour House, which will see members of the Canadian Forces awarding medals at the finish line.

"We are truly excited to be part of the UBC campus culture," said John Stanton. "There is a very active sports and recreation program here, and we look forward to helping students, as well as the Vancouver public, achieve their fitness goals."

    
    What:     Running Room Store Grand Opening and Walk/Run in support of
              Honour House

    Who:      Running Room founder John Stanton
              Olympic gold medallist Ben Rutledge
              Joyce Murray, MP Vancouver Quadra
              Allan DeGenova, President of Honour House Society

    When:     Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
              Store opens at 9:30am
              Grand Opening Celebration begins at 6:00pm
              Free Run/walk begins at 6:30pm (voluntary $10 donation benefits
              Honour House)

    Where:    The Running Room - UBC
              Wesbrook Village
              3308 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC.

    Photo Op: More than 200 runners and walkers participate in a charity
              walk/run in support of Honour House, with soldiers from the
              Canadian Forces handing out medals as they cross the finish
              line.


    About Running Room Inc
    ----------------------
    

Running Room is North America's largest specialty running and walking retailer of sporting goods, apparel and footwear. Originating in 1984, the Running Room has expanded to 96 corporately-owned stores in Canada and 8 in the USA, earning a reputation for product innovation, quality products and knowledgeable staff. The company carries all major brands of running and walking products, including its own apparel line. Running Room Fit-Wear(R) and Walk Fit-Wear(R) are 100% designed and tested in Canada to perform under the extreme weather conditions faced by Canadians walking or running outdoors year-round.

For further information: Tiffany Bourré, Julia Harper, Idea Workshop, 416-504-3977, ext 28/25, 647-298-3954 (cell), tiffany/[email protected]