(5-28-08) From Press Release - Festival in Eugene, Oregon to Benefit the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund.
When nearly 200,000 athletes and fans converge on Eugene, Oregon, for the 2008 U.S. Track & Field Trials, there is no doubt they will enjoy the beautiful scenery and the competitive spirit of "Track Town USA."
However, when they leave Hayward Field for some well-deserved down time, hundreds will head to the movies. That's right! Hollywood comes to Eugene, as the city plays host to the first film festival ever devoted to the subjects of track & field, marathon running, and cross country: the Running Film Festival (RFF), scheduled for July 3-5 on the University of Oregon campus.
RFF is the brainchild of running enthusiasts and industry entrepreneurs, who formulated the idea after assessing the vast, yet underexposed, collection of celluloid devoted to the sport. The festival signed a title sponsor to join presenting sponsors TheFinalSprint.com and Running Times, and a great event was born. A portion of the proceeds from the RFF will be donated to the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund, an organization established in memory of distance runner and Olympic hopeful Ryan Shay, who died suddenly during the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City in 2007. The fund will support Ryan's vision to help disadvantaged individuals, groups and communities, as well as American runners in financial need.
"Everyone knows 'Pre', 'Without Limits', and 'Chariots of Fire,' but there are dozens of other movies and documentaries that runners will enjoy. We created an event that brings together great films, talented directors, elite athletes, and people who simply love the sport. Movie makers have the chance to screen their films for appreciative audiences with entertainment that fits seamlessly with the spirit of Eugene 08," says Adam Jacobs, Editor-in-Chief of TheFinalSprint.com, a presenting sponsor.
Jacobs says the lineup will include several world premiere presentations. Pictures already scheduled include: "The Long Green Line," "Spirit of the Marathon," "Run For Your Life", "Indulgence," "Run Like Hell," and "Showdown." Event organizers also promise major additions to the lineup, which will be unveiled over the coming weeks at runningfilmfestival.com.
Running 'celebrities,' filmmakers, and audience members will have the opportunity to interact during the RFF's Meet & Greets, Q&A sessions and other special events. Red carpet appearances by legends of the sport, as well as current track & field stars like Olympian Gabe Jennings, are among the highlights anticipated during the three-day event.
The RFF will not interfere with the Olympic trials, so fans, athletes, their coaches, families, and friends can all attend and enjoy both the films and the races.
The complete schedule and film line-up is being finalized, and tickets for the events will go on sale June 1st. Film listings and tickets are available at runningfilmfestival.com. Pending availability, tickets also will be available July 3, 4 and 5 at the festival venue: Columbia 150 on the University of Oregon campus.
For more information, visit the festival website at: www.runningfilmfestival.com
