FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNOR PERSONALLY INVITED TO TRAIL RACE AT KICAPOO STATE PARK
Kennekuk Road Runners extend invitation to Governor Rod Blagojevich to see park scheduled for closure firsthand.

September 5, 2008 - Danville, Illinois

In light of the recent announcement of numerous state park closings, the Kennekuk Road Runners have personally invited Governor Rod Blagojevich to their Wild Wild Wilderness 7.55 mile trail race on September 28th.

The event is held in Kickapoo State Park, one of 11 parks targeted for closure November 1st, which annually attracts hundreds of runners to the Danville and Vermilion County area.

"Kickapoo is one of our greatest local natural resources, and at almost 3,000 acres is the jewel of east central Illinois for people who enjoy the outdoors," said Kennekuk Road Runner President Scott Hendren.

While no exact attendance records are kept for the park, it is believed to receive hundreds of thousands of visits per year with its numerous running trail being just one of the attractions as the park also hosts canoeing, fishing, camping and scuba diving.

"Most people don't know that the Governor is actually an accomplished runner, having finished three marathons, so we're hoping to give him a firsthand opportunity to experience trail running and the beauty of Kickapoo State Park at the 29th annual Wild Wild Wilderness," added Race Director Kevin Stroud.

The park, along with the nearby Middlefork State Fish and Wildlife Area and Harry 'Babe' Woodyard State Natural Area, are currently being managed by only three state employees.

"So we hope to demonstrate during his visit that the cost savings compared to the economic and personal impact of the closure just doesn't add up," concludes Hendren.

 Contact: Scott Hendren
Tel: 217.369.8609
Internet: scott.hendren@comcast.net
Address: P.O. Box 1701, Danville, IL 61834

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About The Kennekuk Road Runners

The Kennekuk Road Runners are a non-profit organization currently in their 31^st year of promoting running and active lifestyles.  KRR hosts six major races per year in the Danville, IL area, including the largest timed ultra-marathon in the U.S., and has a membership exceeding 1,000.  More information available at http://kennekuk.com.