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Magnificent Mile Media Coverage

2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010

Around the Triangle 8/31/2010

Posted: August 31, 2010

Sybil McGuire speaks to Jeff and Sarah Witt and Kasi Sujkowski about Sarah's struggle with primary lateral sclerosis, and the Magnificent Mile Race, which benefits motor neuron disease research.

Listen/Download here: ATT092010.mp3



Gold and Silver Sponsors Announced for The Magnificent Mile Race℠
Fifth Annual Fundraising Event Helps Fund Research for Motor Neuron Disorders

Posted: August 19, 2010

RALEIGH, N.C. (August 19, 2010)—Sarah Roberts-Witt, organizer and inspiration behind The Magnificent Mile Race (www.magmilerace.com), announces today additional sponsors of the fifth annual fundraising event. Proceeds from the September 19 event will benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (www.sp-foundation.org), a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for rare upper motor neuron disorders.

“I’m so very thankful for the outpouring of support we’ve received throughout the five years of The Magnificent Mile Race,” says Roberts-Witt. “ The individuals and companies that give so freely to our event provide inspiration as we search for a cure to motor neuron diseases.”

Gold sponsors include:

Silver sponsors include:
The Magnificent Mile Race is the first of the eight-race Second Empire Grand-Prix Fall Series. It serves as the USATF North Carolina State one-mile championship and includes a recreational run/walk, kids' races, entertainment, food and other fun activities. The event is part of Endurance Magazine's Race Without a Trace initiative, which encourages sustainable and environmentally conscious activities, and the NC-USATF-Endurance Magazine 2010 Long Distance Running Championship Series.


Premier Sponsors Announced for The Magnificent Mile
Fifth Annual Fundraising Event is September 19

Posted: August 4, 2010
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 4, 2010)—Sarah Roberts-Witt, organizer and inspiration behind The Magnificent Mile (www.magmilerace.com), announces today Allscripts (www.allscripts.com), Quintiles (www.quintiles.com), and Lenovo (www.lenovo.com) as premier sponsors of the fifth annual fundraising event. To be held September 19, 2010 in downtown Raleigh, the event includes competitive, recreational and kids’ races, as well as family friendly activities. Proceeds will benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (www.sp-foundation.org), a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for rare upper motor neuron disorders.

"I am so pleased to welcome Allscripts as a top sponsor for this year’s Magnificent Mile, and am humbled by the continued support of Quintiles and Lenovo,” says Roberts-Witt. “We are thrilled to have these organizations by our side as we continue to search for a cure.”

Allscripts is a leader in software, services, information and connectivity solutions that empower physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver best-in-class patient safety, clinical outcomes and financial results. The company strongly believes in giving back to organizations that positively impact the local community. This is their first year as a sponsor of The Magnificent Mile.

"The Allscripts team is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work,” says Donna E. Oldham, director of communities for Allscripts. “The Magnificent Mile is a great example of our community involvement, and we are pleased to be part of this event and its mission of funding research into motor neuron disease."
Quintiles is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical services company based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. Entering its fourth year as an event sponsor, the company continues its support of health-based organizations and initiatives in the local community.

Lenovo is a multinational company that is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the company’s involvement as an official sponsor of The Magnificent Mile. Lenovo was the first global corporation headquartered in the Triangle to support the event.

The Magnificent Mile is the first of the eight-race Second Empire Grand-Prix Fall Series. It serves as the USATF North Carolina State one-mile championship and includes a recreational run/walk, kids' races, entertainment, food and other fun activities. The event is part of Endurance Magazine's Race Without a Trace initiative, which encourages sustainable and environmentally conscious activities, and the NC-USATF-Endurance Magazine 2010 Long Distance Running Championship Series.

2009

RailHawks Game to Benefit The Magnificent Mile
Team Donating Portion of Ticket Sales to Help Fight Motor Neuron Disease

Posted: September 3, 2009
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 3, 2009)—Sarah Roberts-Witt, founder and inspiration behind The Magnificent Mile (www.magmilerace.com), thanks the Carolina RailHawks for its support of the event. The RailHawks are dedicating the September 12 game against the Puerto Rico Islanders to The Magnificent Mile.

The team will donate $2 from every adult ticket sold that is referenced by saying Magnificent Mile at the ticket office or by entering magmile as a promotional code for online purchases. Tickets for the September 12 game can be purchased by visiting www.etix.com and entering magmile as the promo code, or by calling the ticket office at 919.859.5425 and mentioning The Magnificent Mile.

"The Carolina RailHawks have been tremendously generous and we are so grateful," says Roberts-Witt. "We are looking forward to a fantastic turn-out and what's sure to be an exciting game."

Presented by Quintiles and Lenovo, the fourth annual Magnificent Mile is a fundraising event that includes one-mile runs and walks, as well as other family friendly activities. Proceeds benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation. In its first three years, nearly 1,500 participants have helped raise more than $100,000 for research into upper motor neuron diseases. The 2009 event is expected to have more than 750 participants and has a fundraising goal of $50,000.

"We are thrilled to support The Magnificent Mile and its quest to find a cure for motor neuron disease," says Brian Wellman, president of the Carolina RailHawks. "As an organization, we strive to make a difference in the community; it's efforts like Sarah's that make these events so special."

The Magnificent Mile serves as the USATF North Carolina State one-mile championship and is the first of the eight-race Second Empire Grand Prix Series. Additionally, organizers seek to encourage sustainable and environmentally conscious activities. The Magnificent Mile is part of Endurance Magazine's Race Without a Trace initiative.

Read the Online Version

Charity race set for Sunday
By RACHEL ULLRICH

Posted: September 9, 2009
Few parents would encourage their children to "beat the old man" on a
Sunday afternoon.But this Sunday, that's exactly what more than 750 locals
will be trying to do.As part of Raleigh's annual Magnificent Mile race,
CASL CEO Charlie Slagle has challenged his players to beat his
(age-adjusted) time in the competitive mile race this weekend. The race
starts and finishes in front of the Second Empire restaurant on
Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh.

Read More...

Disease saps body, not spirit
BY TERI SAYLOR - Correspondent

Posted: September 9, 2009
Sarah Roberts-Witt is doing just fine. Actually, she's doing great.
Four years after being diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis, a disease
akin to the more commonly known ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, Witt is still
actively managing the Magnificent Mile, a road race she created to raise
money for research into motor neuron diseases such as PLS.

The Magnificent Mile has doubled since its first running on a cold day in
November 2006. That year, the event attracted 400 runners and raised
$24,000 for the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation

http://www.midtownraleighnews.com/111/story/1133.html

Sponsors Thanked for Longtime Support of The Magnificent Mile
Community Involvement Grows as Event Enters Fourth Year

Posted: August 27, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. (August 27, 2009)—Sarah Roberts-Witt, organizer and inspiration behind The Magnificent Mile (www.magmilerace.com), is giving special thanks to four longtime sponsors that have supported The Magnificent Mile throughout each of its first four years.

Lenovo, The Athlete's Foot, Umstead Park United Church of Christ and Aquatic Physical Therapy & Beyond have all been a driving force behind The Magnificent Mile's success since its inception in 2006.

"These four organizations got behind us right from the start with no hesitation," says Roberts-Witt. "Their involvement is what has enabled us to grow this event in terms of attracting more sponsors and reaching more people in our community."

The fourth annual Magnificent Mile, presented by Quintiles and Lenovo, will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2009 in downtown Raleigh. Proceeds benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation. In its first three years, nearly 1,500 participants have helped raise more than $100,000 to fund research into upper motor neuron diseases. More than 750 participants are expected at the 2009 event.

"We at Aquatic Physical Therapy & Beyond have proudly sponsored The Magnificent Mile for four years," says Kristi Olivotti, lead physical therapist and co-owner of Aquatic Physical Therapy & Beyond. "We feel it not only supports individuals with PLS and Spastic Paraplegia, but also brings greater awareness to their plight."

Roberts-Witt also announces additional sponsors of the 2009 Magnificent Mile:

Platinum Sponsors:
  • Articulon
  • Bronto Software
  • Capital Area Soccer League
  • Carolina RailHawks

Gold Sponsors:
  • Kramer Acupuncture
  • Nix Design
  • Oak Grove Technologies
  • Off to Run Personal Training
  • ProActive Performance Centers
  • Raleigh Downtowner
  • Triangle Boulevard TV

The Magnificent Mile includes men's and women's competitive one-mile races that serve as the USATF North Carolina State one-mile championship. In addition, it offers a one-mile recreational run/walk and kids' races. This event is the first of the eight-race Second Empire Grand Prix Series, and will also include entertainment, food and other fun activities. Additionally, organizers seek to encourage sustainable and environmentally conscious activities. The Magnificent Mile is part of Endurance Magazine's Race Without a Trace initiative.

TriangleMom2Mom: Meet Sarah!

Posted: August 26, 2009

Sarah Roberts-Witt is our TriangleMom2Mom mom of the week. Sarah started The Magnificent Mile event in 2006 to raise money for motor neuron disease. It's Sept. 13 this year and there is still time to register. She has an inspirational story. Thanks Illyse for introducing me to Sarah through e-mail!

Text Link:
Read the Full Article

Around the Triangle 8/23/2009

Posted: August 23, 2009

Dave Kent speaks to Jeff and Sarah Witt and Terrie Tracester about Sarah's struggle with primary lateral sclerosis, and the Magnificent Mile Race, which benefits motor neuron disease research.

Listen/Download here: ATT82309.mp3

CEO Charlie Slagle Challenges CASL Participants to One-Mile Race
Challenge to Benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation

Posted: August 20, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. (August 20, 2009)—Charlie Slagle, CEO of the Capital Area Soccer League (www.caslnc.com), is challenging CASL players, coaches, and families to "Beat CASL's Old Man" in the 4th annual Magnificent Mile (www.magmilerace.com). This event will be held on September 13 in downtown Raleigh. The top five CASL males and the top five CASL females who manage to beat Slagle's time will receive prizes courtesy of The Carolina Railhawks.

"At CASL, we focus on building the fitness level and character of our players," says Slagle. "Partnering with The Magnificent Mile helps us do both."

Look for complimentary "Beat CASL's Old Man" magnets at the WRAL Soccer Center on August 22 and 23. Participants can register online now at www.active.com or www.sportoften.com (enter "Magnificent Mile" in the search box); race-day registration will be available as well.

For those who can't make the event on Sunday, there's still a way to support the cause. The Carolina Railhawks and CASL are teaming up on Saturday, September 12, when The Railhawks will face The Puerto Rico Islanders. All registered CASL players will receive a free ticket (just wear your CASL jersey or a CASL t-shirt), and $2 from every adult ticket sold will benefit The Magnificent Mile. To order tickets, go to www.carolinarailhawks.com and enter magmile in the promo code. Or mention "The Magnificent Mile" at the box office on game night.

Proceeds from The Magnificent Mile benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation. In its first three years, nearly 1,500 participants have helped raise more than $100,000 to fund research into upper motor neuron diseases. More than 750 participants are expected at the 2009 event. This year's fundraising goal is $50,000.

Text Link:
Read the Online Version

Headline Sponsors Named for Magnificent Mile Races
Fourth Annual Fundraising Event is September 13

Posted: August 13, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. (August 13, 2009)—Sarah Roberts-Witt, organizer and inspiration behind The Magnificent Mile (www.magmilerace.com), today announces Quintiles (www.quintiles.com) as presenting sponsor and Lenovo (www.lenovo.com) as title sponsor of the fourth annual fundraising event. To be held September 13, 2009 in downtown Raleigh, the event will include one-mile runs and walks, as well as other family friendly activities. All proceeds will benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation.

"Having the support of Quintiles and Lenovo is a tremendous benefit as we continue our search for a cure to motor neuron disease," says Roberts-Witt. "It is a great gift to The Magnificent Mile itself and to the community of individuals, families, and members of the medical community who deal with motor neuron disease each day."

Quintiles is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical services company based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. As presenting sponsor, the company continues its support of health-based organizations and initiatives in the communities where its employees live and work.

"The Magnificent Mile is a great event—its unique format separates it from other races, and the funding goes directly to important research," says Steve Brechbiel, senior director of community relations at Quintiles. "All of us at Quintiles are delighted to be a sponsor and supporter for another year."

Lenovo is a multinational company that is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. This year marks the fourth anniversary of Lenovo's involvement as an official sponsor of The Magnificent Mile. Lenovo was the first global corporation headquartered in the Triangle to support the event.

"Lenovo has been behind The Magnificent Mile since day one," says Fran O'Sullivan, senior vice president, Product Group, Lenovo. "The combination of a great cause, the passion of our own employees, and local community involvement makes this the kind of event we are proud to be a part of."

The Magnificent Mile includes men's and women's competitive one-mile races that serve as the USATF North Carolina State one-mile championship. In addition, it offers a one-mile recreational run/walk and kids' races. This event is the first of the eight-race Second Empire Grand Prix Series, and will also include entertainment, food and other fun activities. Additionally, organizers seek to encourage sustainable and environmentally conscious activities. The Magnificent Mile is part of Endurance Magazine's Race Without a Trace initiative

Text link:
Read the version online

Local Personalities Step Up for the Fourth Annual Magnificent Mile
One-mile Runs and Walks Raise Funds to Find a Cure for Motor Neuron Diseases
Posted: July 30, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 30, 2009)—The fourth annual Magnificent Mile (www.magmilerace.com), presented by Quintiles Corp., will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2009 in downtown Raleigh, N.C. The fundraising event includes one-mile runs and walks, as well as other family-friendly activities. Notable sports, business and entertainment personalities are lending their influence to garner participation in the event. Proceeds benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation and help fund research grants awarded to find a cure for upper motor neuron diseases.

The husband-and-wife team of Dave Kent, KISS FM on-air personality, and Kelcey Carlson, WRAL TV anchor, will be emceeing the event. Challenging residents to "Beat the Old Man," is CASL CEO Charlie Slagle, 57, who also hosts the Back of the Net radio program.

The Carolina RailHawks will donate $2 from every adult ticket sold for the Saturday, September 12 game against the Puerto Rico Islanders. To order tickets go to www.carolinarailhawks.com and enter magmile in the promo code. In addition, Swoops, the team mascot, will be on hand the day of the event, along with several players, coaches and managers who will be signing autographs and participating in the race.

Kim Reynolds, co-owner and operator of the Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, is a longtime supporter of The Magnificent Mile. Start and finishes for the races will be located one block from the restaurant. Registration and event activities will be located alongside the restaurant on Harrington Street, and the awards ceremony will be held on the restaurant's veranda.

"The support provides a tremendous emotional boost for me and for all the individuals dealing with the ravages of motor neuron disease," says Sarah Roberts-Witt, co-founder of The Magnificent Mile. "It's a touching reminder that there are many, many people who care about us and the challenges we face." ...

Text link:
Read the version online

2008

Going the Extra Mile: Race Report -- Magnificent Mile, Raleigh, NC
Posted: Sept 14, 2008 -- Lesley Looper, race participant

Okay, next time I start pouting about being a slow runner, someone just take me by the shoulders, shake me, and tell me to get over it. I had fun today! I finished the 1-mile race in 11:09, and was pleasantly surprised! The race report follows...

Text link:
http://runlesleyrun.blogspot.com/2008/09/race-report-magnificent-mile-raleigh-nc.html

WRAL - Mag Mile Races held in downtown Raleigh
Posted: Sep. 14, 2008

Raleigh, N.C. — Downtown Raleigh was a racetrack of sorts Sunday afternoon.

The third annual Magnificent Mile races were around the state Capitol.

The races were inspired by Sarah Roberts-Witt and Scott and Amy Corsmeier, who suffer from motor neuron diseases (MNDs).

Sarah was an avid marathoner before the illness began in 2004.

Proceeds from the races help fund research grants.

Text link:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/noteworthy/story/3544867/

Around the Triangle - August 2008
Lenovo Magnificent Mile

Sarah Roberts Witt, a one time avid runner and sufferer of PLS, launched the Magnificent Mile in 2006 to raise money for the research of PLS.The race on September 14th is the second of a nine-race series promoted by the Second Empire Restaurant in Raleigh.

Text link:
http://www.clearchannelraleigh.com/communityupdate.html

2007

News & Observer 2007
Crippled body can't kill spirit - Ruth Sheehan, Staff Writer

If only Sarah Witt had known which run would be her last. She might have gone farther. Might have exalted in it more. But this is not a story of what-ifs. It is the tale of a runner who cannot, will not, be stopped. … In 2006, she came up with the idea of a one-mile race to raise money for research into motor neuron diseases such as PLS. She dubbed it the Magnificent Mile.

Text link:
www.newsobserver.com/news/story/693981.html

Clear Channel Radio 2007
Around the Triangle
Listen every Sunday morning to Josh Zach and Around the Triangle! .... Join Sarah Roberts-Witt and the NC Roadrunners on for the Magnificent Mile in downtown Raleigh on September 16th. The event is a fundraiser for research for Lou Gehrig's Disease. Sarah has a rare form of Lou Gehrig's disease called PLS. Because of its rare form it's up to individual patients and patient groups to raise money and awareness.

Hear the Interview now, or download it for podcast: Download Here

TAF Album 2007

See the pictures:
www.kodakgallery.com/tafrdu/main/magnificent_mile_2007

2006

WRAL TV Interview 2006
Former Marathon Runner Still Sprints Through Challenges

RALEIGH, N.C. — Sarah Witt, 39, was once a reporter and a runner. She has a husband and two young children. And now she has a wheelchair and a laptop that speaks for her. Sarah Witt hasn't run away from life. In fact, she has organized the Magnificent Mile Races this weekend in Raleigh, which has so far raised $20,000 for research...

Text link:
www.wral.com/news/local/story/1088296/

Video link:
www.wral.com/news/local/video/1088297/


News 14 TV Carolina 2006
NC Roadrunners Club presents Magnificent Mile Races
RALEIGH -- Get ready runners! This weekend you can participate in a one of several races to support a worthy cause. The North Carolina Roadrunners Club presents the Magnificent Mile Races to help raise awareness for motor neuron diseases.

Text link:
www.news14.com/Default.aspx?ArID=93616

Video link:
www.news14.com/Video/BuildASX.ashx?vids=18645

Lenovo Communications 2006
Lenovo and the Raleigh Magnificent Mile Races
On a corporate level and individually, all of us have been compassionately advancing philanthropic initiatives. Today, I wanted to tell you how we're helping one of our own: Lenovo has become a platinum sponsor of the Magnificent Mile Races -- a fund-raiser conceived by Sarah Roberts-Witt, wife of Lenovo's Jeff Witt Sarah is an amazingly strong and courageous person who suffers from PLS, a motor neuron disease related to ALS. Through her personal struggle, Sarah conceived and organized this event to aid others facing similar challenges.

Learn more by listening to a podcast interview with Sarah and Jeff: Download Here

Endurance Magazine 2006
Beyond the Miles: Magnificent Friendship between Runners
Until two years ago, I was one of you. I could log miles, eat Clif Bars, and obsess over race times with the best of them. If a nagging ache or pain crept in, I jumped in the pool to swim a couple of miles, and finished it off with a power yoga class. But in the spring of 2004, things started to change.

Read the article: Download Here

WPAW News 2006
Pleasant Union Elementary School Video

Hi my name is Clare Witt. I’m in 3rd grade in Ms. Fitzpatrick’s class. This is my Mom and Dad and we would like to invite you to the Magnificent Mile Race and Fun Walk.

Learn more by watching this video with Clare, Sarah, and Jeff: Download Here
















 

      

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