Corporate Challenge Guide by Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc.

FOR WELLNESS. FOR TEAMWORK. FOR A GREAT CAUSE. (AND A FEW BRAGGING RIGHTS.)

2012 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF OKLAHOMA CORPORATE CHALLENGE GUIDE

TULSA AREA UNITED WAY www.tauw.org

PROUD PARTNER OF THE WILLIAMS ROUTE 66 MARATHON

Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma

Welcome.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

2012 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF OKLAHOMA CORPORATE CHALLENGE GUIDE

Sponsorship Opportunities Event Schedule

Volunteering SATURDAY

RACE GUIDE

SUNDAY RACE GUIDE TRAINING PROGRAMS FUNDRAISING TIPS & TRICKS

20 SPECIAL SECTION:

Marathoning as a Corporate Training Program

T H E M A R AT H O N H I S T O R Y

The concept of the Williams Route 66 Marathon began as a simple thought – an enthusiastic comment to a friend. Before long, the idea developed into a passionate conversation about a race that showcases Tulsa’s unique charm and historic neighborhoods, while benefiting some of the city’s best nonprofit organizations. This idea grew into a reality on Nov. 19, 2006. Approximately 3,000 full marathon, half marathon and marathon relay participants competed in the first Route 66 Marathon that day. Since its inception, all Route 66 Marathon proceeds have benefitted the Tulsa Area United Way – nearly $90,000 total – with an end goal of improving the health and quality of life for the community. Today, it serves as one of Oklahoma’s largest races with more than 10,000 participants and an annual economic impact of more than $5,000,000. Fresh from the excitement of competing in his first three marathons, Chris Lieberman, now executive director of the Williams Route 66 Marathon, was eager to go deeper into the running world. While charity contributions and local economy are important, Lieberman had a soft spot for first time marathon and half marathon participants. The first marathon featured an inspiring slogan, “Let our first marathon be your first marathon.”

“It’s all about the first timers for me. I know from personal experience that training for your first marathon or half marathon is a life changing experience that makes you stronger, healthier and more confident. Seeing them cross the finish line, so full of emotion makes it all worth it,” said Lieberman. But he doesn’t do it alone. The race continues seven years later as a result of a large team and more than 1,500 event volunteers. During its first days, the race began after more than 18 months of hard work by several key players – Jack Wing, Tim and Lori Dreiling, Randy Grundy, Phil Feist, Jeff Frable and Trani Matthews. Over the years, these key players grew to a large Board of Directors to manage the increasing events, like a 5K, 1-Mile Run and Walk, Mascot Dash and Corporate Challenge. The race has generally seen a growth of 20 to 40 percent each year, with a goal of 20,000 participants in 2015. The race expo, originally held in a hotel ballroom, has grown to 65,000 square feet. The city itself has grown to cherish the Route 66 Marathon events. Neighborhoods and organizations welcome the participants each year and support the race in a variety of ways.

T H E M A R AT H O N H I S T O R Y

Among its most memorable moments, the Route 66 Marathon experienced a Guinness World Record in 2009. Zac Freudenburg broke the record for running a marathon while pushing a stroller. Freudenburg’s finish time was 2:32:10, followed by the previous record holder, Michael Wardian, at 2:34:37.

We all know that runners love their bling, and the Williams Route 66 Marathon certainly delivers. After finishing second and third the last two years, the marathon’s finisher medal is now ranked the No. 1 marathon medal in North America by Marathon & Beyond magazine. Other acknowledgements include ReSport Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport and various titles by Oklahoma Sports & Fitness magazine. However, the first start line gunshot in 2006 would not have been possible without sponsors. The marathon’s first title sponsor, Tulsa World, helped launch the race into existence. Each year, the legacy continues with the help of committed companies like its current sponsors – Williams, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Pepsi, Gatorade and Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa. Together, many dedicated Tulsans crafted this marathon into an awardwinning event. Tulsa built this race. And Tulsa deserves this race.

The Directors of the Inaugural Route 66 Marathon

A HISTORY OF AWARD WINNING

BLING!

2009

2ND PLACE by Marathon & Beyond

2010

3 R D P L AC E by Marathon & Beyond

2011

1ST PLACE by Marathon & Beyond

WELCOME & HISTORY

Voted in the top 3 marathon finisher medals in North America since 2009.

2012 CHARITY PROFILE

Are you training for the Williams Route 66 Marathon? Make your efforts even more meaningful by joining our fundraising for the Tulsa Area United Way. Participants can sign up for the Run United! campaign during registration. “Run United! is a great opportunity for participants to make the most of their marathon experience,” said Chris Lieberman, Executive Director of the Route 66 Marathon. “Runners are encouraged to leverage their passion for a good cause.”

About Our Cause The Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) provides services to more than 630,000 individuals annually through its 61 partner agencies in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner Counties. In the last 88 years, TAUW has invested more than $618 million in the Tulsa area. TAUW uses a comprehensive community-based decision making process to determine how funds will be invested in the community. This year, over 150 trained volunteers invested more than 4,000 hours analyzing the needs of the community and studying the effectiveness of local programs; all to ensure that contributions have the greatest possible impact. As human service needs grow and change over time, this process allows the TAUW to direct resources where they will do the most good.

Each participant who registers online and opts to become a fundraiser during registration will receive an e-mail prompting them to personalize their fundraising webpage. Participants can also login to Active.com to customize their page, upload photos, send e-mails and communicate with supporters. All fundraising participants have the opportunity to earn the following incentives:

$100249

Run United! Running Cap

$250499

Run United! Long Sleeve Technical Running Shirt

$500+ Run United! Running Jacket “We are excited about partnering again with the Route 66 Marathon,” said Mark R. Graham, President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. “Marathon participants will have the opportunity to support the community, helping our 61 partner agencies to provide much-needed services to more than 630,000 people in the Tulsa region.” Run United! fundraising aligns with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Corporate Challenge that is new in 2012. Through this program, companies can compete while fundraising for the Tulsa Area United Way.

FUNDRAISING TIPS & TRICKS p.28

T H E C O R P O R AT E C H A L L E N G E

Step up to the challenge.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Corporate Challenge at the Williams Route 66 Marathon is a great opportunity for organizations of all sizes to promote workplace WELLNESS, support a CHARITY and build TEAMWORK across departments and within your organization! The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Corporate Challenge at the Williams Route 66 Marathon is an easy way to get your co-workers active and have fun. Receive everything needed to train for any of the Wiliams Route 66 Marathon events while raising funds online for the Tulsa Area United Way. Organizations are divided into four divisions based on the total number of employees in the organization. Scoring is divided equally between participation, performance and fundraising. For more details, visit www.route66marathon.com.

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF OKLAHOMA CUP The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Cup is awarded to the top team in each division, based on their combined points from each of the three scoring criteria. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Cup will be presented annually to the winner of each division at a ceremony at their corporate office. The cup is perpetual

TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 1-249

250-499

500-999

1000+

Free Registrations

25% Discounted Registrations

10% Discounted Registrations

Unlimited

Friday Night VIP Party Tickets

Race Day VIP Tent Passes

Race Day VIP Parking Passes

Access to Corporate Challenge Tent



Team Fundraising Website



Discounts at local running store partners



$250

$750

$1,500

$3,000

FREE & DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS

VIP PERKS

OTHER BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS

TEAM COST

and will remain at the offices of the winning team until the week of the marathon the following year. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Cup is a finely crafted award suitable for display in a reception area or conference room. It’s a representation of the winning organization’s commitment to excellence, the health and wellness of its employees and to its community.

Contact Jeff Vause at jeff.vause@route66marathon.com for more information. Register for the Corporate Challenge at www.route66marathon.com.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc. is an Oklahoma non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that plans, organizes, manages the Williams Route 66 Marathon. The Williams Route 66 Marathon occurs annually the weekend before Thanksgiving.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

Participants from every state and around the world.

42% 32% 19% 46%

have a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree

GENDER & AGE

have a post-graduate degree

57% AV E R A G E A G E : 3 4

43% AV E R A G E A G E : 3 9

74% reside in Oklahoma

15%

live in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri or Kansas

own their own business

have household incomes exceeding $100,000

$5,000,000 Annual impact on the local economy

10,000+ participants

and 1,500+ volunteers Thousands of spectators along 26.2 mile course and finish line festivities.

2 day

HEALTH, FITNESS & SUSTAINABILITY EXPO

1 of 37 in the world and 1st in Oklahoma to receive certification by the Council for Responsible Sport for our sustainability programs

Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc. partners with the corporate community to build an effective and integrated sponsorship program. Contact Chris Lieberman at chris@route66marathon.com or 918-289-5507 for more information on sponsorship and marketing opportunities.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

at a glance

Event Schedule FRIDAY HEALTH, FITNESS & SUSTAINABILITY EXPO

SATURDAY 5K Run & Walk 1 Mile Fun Run Mascot Dash HEALTH, FITNESS & SUSTAINABILITY EXPO VIP PARTY

SUNDAY WILLIAMS ROUTE 66 MARATHON Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay POST-RACE FESTIVAL & CONCERT

EVENT SCHEDULE

SATURDAY Corporate Citizenship / Community Involvement / Health & Wellness / Increased Visibility / Brand Awareness / Networking Opportunities with other Sponsors / Employee Wellness & Engagement

Committed to Sustainability. We have an environmentally conscious board and a director specifically devoted to tracking our sustainable efforts and researching ways to to make our race as green as possible. Our goal is to set an example for our participants and other events by minimizing our carbon footprint and being as environmentally friendly as possible while still putting on the best race for our participants. The marathonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts have not gone unnoticed with a recent invitation from the Council for Responsible Sport to become a founding member of Sports Events Community of Practice to help lessen the carbon footprint of other sporting events.

The Williams Route 66 Marathon Health, Fitness and Sustainability Expo hosts more than 75 exhibitors featuring running gear and shoes, as well as sports and fitness-related items. As the largest health expo in Eastern Oklahoma, it spans 65,000 square feet and draws more than 20,000 attendees. The two-day expo is held at the Tulsa Convention Center and is free and open to the public.

Volunteering: More than Meets the Eye.

Coordinating a successful marathon is a major undertaking that is simply not possible without the efforts of more than 1,500 volunteers. Volunteers are particularly needed with packet pickup at the Health, Fitness and Sustainability Expo. During the races, volunteers play a key role at the information tent, Gatorade stops, relay stations and the finish line. Course marshalls are needed to provide direction, and individual and group performers offer entertainment. From humor to encouragement, every volunteer brings his or her own personality to the race. Whether passing out t-shirts or awarding competitors with a medal, each role is equally important - and rewarding. Volunteers at the Williams Route 66 Marathon return to assist year after year, making lifelong friends and creating moments that last forever. Many corporations and organizations provide volunteers on an annual basis, using it as an opportunity to brand their company, express their corporate personality and demonstrate their local presence. Allow us to help you further your company and inspire your employees through our volunteer opportunities. As you build your team for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Corporate Challenge at the Williams Route 66 Marathon, remember that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than meets the eye.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Thousands of people around the world will train for months to get to the Williams Route 66 Marathon, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. However, without the help of volunteers, these individuals are unable to cross the start line, much less the finish line.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2012

5K / ONE MILE FUN RUN & WALK / MASCOT DASH

S AT U R D AY E V E N T S

Race Information

The Williams Route 66 Marathon covers two days of races. Saturday offers the 5K race and one-mile fun run, which are both perfect for the entire family. All timed races (marathon, half marathon, marathon relay and 5K) are USATF certified and will be electronically timed. The fun run is not a timed event.

Start Line Information – Saturday Races The 5K and fun run start line is near 20th and Boulder Avenue, just south of downtown Tulsa at Veterans Park. The start line and finish lines are in the same location. (See the 5K and fun run course maps.) Please plan to arrive early to familiarize yourself with the start/finish area. Please see the Saturday Veterans Park map for the location of your start corral and portable restrooms.

Start Times – Sat. Nov. 17

• 5K run and walk - 8 a.m. • 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk - 9 a.m. • The Mascot Dash - 9:30 a.m.

SATURDAY RACES COURSE MAP

LEGEND 5K COURSE FUN RUN COURSE START/FINISH DIRECTIONAL ARROWS GATORADE STATIONS KILOMETER MARKER Maps & Design by

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2012

HALF MARATHON / MARATHON / MARATHON RELAY

Race Information

S U N D AY E V E N T S

Sunday’s races include the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay, which are USATF certified and will be electronically timed.

• The marathon course will remain closed to traffic for 6.5 hours (until 2:30 p.m.) • The electronic timing system will remain open for 7.5 hours (until 3:30 p.m.) • Everyone finishing in 7.5 hours will receive an official finishing time. • We do not guarantee that the Gatorade stations or medical aid stations will be open longer than the 15-minute per mile pace.

Start Line Information – Sunday Races The marathon, half marathon and marathon relay start line is located at 7th and Main Street in downtown Tulsa. The races will start heading south on Main Street. Please plan to arrive early to familiarize yourself with the start area. Please see the map of the Main Street start area for the location of your start corral and portable restrooms.

Start Times

• All Sunday races - 8 a.m.

SUNDAY RACES COURSE MAP

Map Legend Full Marathon Course Full & Half Marathon Course Race Start/Finish Race Directional Arrows Gatorade Stations

Maps & Design by

Mile Marker Relay Exchange 1 Relay Exchange 2 Relay Exchange 3 Relay Exchange 4

As featured in

Marathoning as a Corporate Training Program It is becoming increasingly common for corporations to create incentives for employees to strive for better health.

SPECIAL SECTION

BY JIM LAFFERTY

As a small subset of the “finishers” group crossed Geneva’s Mont Blanc Bridge, the highest peak in the Alps (and the namesake for the bridge) glistened with its snowcapped crown nearly 70 miles in the distance. As the crowds cheered the members of the group, all adorned in their red uniforms, with the shouts of “Allez les rouges” (“Go red!” in French), the group rounded the right-hand turn onto Rue de Lausanne in the heart of this quaint Swiss city and could see the 39K sign ahead. The end of the marathon for these beginners, these finishers, was coming closer. But it was a culmination of more than just 42.2 kilometers. It was a culmination of an 18-week journey of a team unified under the banner of working for the Procter & Gamble Company in Geneva, the European headquarters. It was the culmination of 57 separate nationalities making up the team. It was the culmination of 306 individuals finding out who they are, how deep their commitment lies, and whether they could realize the dream of doing what only a fraction of a percent of the world will ever do—complete a marathon. The marathon is often referred to as a “singular” event: one person, one distance, the time, the person versus the distance and the clock. But for as much as the marathon means for many in the world today, could it mean even more? Could the power of the marathon be corralled by organizations, even for-profit companies, as a means to invest in their most important asset—their people—and to help them improve performance in the workplace? Could the marathon actually improve a company’s bottom line? May/June 2007 • Volume 11, Issue 3

$6.95 $6.95/$9.00 CDN

Desert Adventures at Javelina Jundred Turn Tapering to Your Advantage

May/June 2007 • Volume 11, Issue 3

Marathon Training— In the Water The “Original” Marathon Mania No Mercy at Kilauea Volcano

This article originally appeared in the May/June 2007 issue of Marathon & Beyond magazine. Reprinted by permission. For more information or to subscribe, visit marathonandbeyond.com.

Procter & Gamble is a household name in the United States and in many other countries around the world. The 169-year-old company, which has more than 135,000 employees in over 80 countries, is the largest consumer-products company in the world, with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Tide, Pampers, Folgers Coffee, Bounty, Gillette, and Pantene. As supported by Fortune and Forbes rankings, 22 of P&G’s brands sell in excess of $1 billion annually. P&G is renowned as the premier brand-building company in the world.

SPECIAL SECTION

Yet P&G is also known for much more. The company has long held to the philosophy of “build from within,” meaning that nearly all new hires start at the bottom and work their way up as they grow. For young talent with a desire to grow, this system has been a powerful magnet to attract the finest applicants from all over the world. For the company itself, this system places a huge, yet positive, burden on the development, training, and retention of employees. Like a baseball team that relies primarily on farm teams, P&G seeks to home grow much of its executive talent. This means training, training, and more training! Like many other companies, P&G offers the gamut of training programs in such core areas as leadership, communication, and team effectiveness, to name just a few. However, in recognizing that each individual is unique, often the training needs of an individual go beyond the core curriculum into other areas. Valerie Robert is a French national and senior human resources executive for P&G in Geneva. Valerie is also a marathoner. Valerie has worked all over the world, across cultures and borders, and has learned firsthand that often the training needs of an individual go far beyond the basics. “One area I have noticed that often we need to help an individual develop is self-confidence,” she said. “This can be actually the foundation area to improve that we see impacting leadership, project management, and other facets of the business. Yet it is difficult to coach because the essence of self-confidence comes from within.” This is where out-of-the-box ideas like the marathon come into play. Could the marathon be used to develop individuals in areas such as self-confidence?

The 39K point featured the last aid station before the finish line. As members of the finishers group looked to their right, they could see the finish line on the lakefront, and they could see some of their teammates crossing the line with arms raised in triumph. Only a little over 3K to go!

SPECIAL SECTION

After a brief minute of walking and drinking, the group rolled back into its steady pace and approached the final hill before making the final turn through the United Nations Park and heading down to the finish line on the shores of Lake Geneva. While the group was close, with the combination of the upcoming hill and still running in the opposite direction from the finish line, nobody was yet willing to hazard the words, “We got it made!” So like a swarm of bees, all in red, they continued to plod on as a coordinated unit under the heat of the midday sun.

The idea of turning the Geneva Marathon into a corporate event was the brainchild of a diverse mix of individuals, reflecting the organization itself: Pierre Elias, a Frenchman and information-technology expert; Chris Pearson, British and a marketer in the away-from-home business; Susana Mendes, from Cape Verde in Africa and a marketing and human-resources assistant; Lissette Zorilla, from Venezuela and in marketing feminine care products; Axel Schmid, Swiss and in finance; Imre Orban, a Hungarian and in finance; and Endre Frankl, also Hungar- ian and in finance; and I, Jim Lafferty, an American and the vice president of the paper business. Eight individuals, seven nationalities, and six different functions, all with one dream: to create a company marathon team and to leverage this event to make the people and the company better for it.

“To make this work, we had to have both a plan to drive an unprecedented level of participation as well as a payout proposition for the company,” said Pierre Elias. The payout was based on three simple premises, some “soft” and some “hard” but all passing the commonsense test. The marathon would be a voluntary part of a training program to build self-confidence and perseverance among individual employees. Though it is difficult to measure progress, we had enough anecdotal evidence, and the company and HR leadership bought into the plan to field a company team and have the company underwrite a full program. The marathon would be positive public relations for the company within the Geneva community. As Chris Pearson explains, “Geneva is very centrally located within Europe and is a highly desirable location to live in and to base the HQ for a broad range of multinationals. We wanted to ensure P&G stands out as the company that embraces community spirit and events such as the Geneva Marathon with unprecedented support.” The marathon team would help unify an incredibly diverse site, which spans responsibility for 103 countries and employs nearly 2,000 people

representing 66 separate nationalities. “I can say firsthand coming from Latin America that entering into this diverse operation, with all of the businesses, countries, and people, is daunting. Anything we can and indeed do to create cross-cultural and cross-business bonding is a positive thing,” said Lissette Zorilla. With this as the foundation, P&G wholeheartedly threw its corporate support behind the marathon team. P&G’s Pringles brand sponsored the team, funding uniforms and the entire marathon training program, including guest speakers.

As the “finishers” group climbed the 200-meter hill alongside the United Nations Park, the members could see the 40K marker coming up in the distance. Finally, crossing into the 40s! They let out a cheer, as much as they could muster at this point. As the 40K sign grew closer and closer, they knew they would loop around, enter the park, and make the return to the finish line. Glory was not that far away. What had started in that kickoff meeting at lunchtime on that cold early January day, fresh back from Christmas holidays, was now approaching the mo- ment they had all been training for in the snow, in the rain, and now in the heat of May—the finish line. While the organizers had the support and the financing, they now needed a plan to make this experiment a success. Within the group, they had a wide range of marathoning experience and talents. Pierre Elias was a superb marathoner, who in fact had run 2:45 and had qualified for the French Nationals. Chris Pearson was also a strong sub-3:30 runner well on his way to his target of breaking 3:00. Imre had already clocked his first sub-3:00 marathon. Lissette, Endre, and Axel were all midpackers with several marathons under their belts and bursting with passion to share the experience with their peers. My role was unique. Though a vice president, I had a modest start within P&G as a fitness instructor in the early 1980s when the company first gained experience with corporate fitness programs in the global headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was 21 years old, had started my own fitness consulting company with several doctors in town, and was teaching a couple of classes to P&G employees when I was recruited to apply for marketing. After trying several times, I was hired in marketing in the United States, moved internationally in 1991, and have loved it ever since. I am also a former track and field coach and have run 15 marathons, all “slow,” so I was the right person to appeal to first-timers who would be the heart of making the team as broad based as possible. Because I run marathons in the 4:45 to 4:50 range, I was a good match for the team to de-mystify the marathon distance for beginners. If I could do it, well, anyone could.

SPECIAL SECTION

The company paid part of the registration fees for all P&G runners. Ten different brands anted up with samples for all the Geneva marathon participants, amassing a giveaway pack of products ranging from Hugo Boss to Pantene to Gillette razors worth nearly $120 in retail value. Just by signing up for the Geneva Marathon and paying the $70 entry fee, the participants got it back with interest in free products.

SPECIAL SECTION

The organizers kicked off the program with an informational luncheon in early January, catered to ensure maximum attendance. The focus of the meeting was to sell the dream—to do something special, to join the club that only a fraction of 1 percent of people ever do—run a marathon. Myriam Mosca, in P&G external relations and a first-time marathoner: “I always thought people who ran marathons were crazy. But I got sold on the idea of doing something special, to challenge myself. So I surprised myself and signed up right after the kickoff meeting.” Adds Lieven Tijtgat, a Belgian purchasing manager, “I saw this as a unique opportunity. The support given by the team was amazing, and if ever I was going to do a marathon, now was the time.”

Knowing that motivation can flag after the initial excitement, the organizers scheduled a steady dose of motivational meetings and sessions, not only to keep spirits up, but also to answer questions. Says Chris Pearson, “We tried to have an external speaker or in-house event every two weeks and to cover the key topics of knowledge to safely and comfortably run a marathon.” This included a shoe expert, a dietician, a physician, runner panels for open Q&A sessions, and three weeks before the marathon, a special guest—Dick Beardsley! “Having Dick Beardsley speak and being able to meet and run with him were simply amazing! He is such a dynamic individual, so forthright and honest, with a great story to tell. I was definitely pumped up for those final weeks of training,” says Tanja Benser, a German marketing manager. Programs were developed for the half-marathon, sub-3:30, sub-4:00, sub5:00, and “finishers” (under 6:00) and were based on programs with a proven pedigree. As Axel Schmid explains, “We used the Galloway program for the finishers group and Hal Higdon’s programs for the balance of the teams. Both of these programs have stood the test of time, and we felt comfort- able proposing these programs to our employees.” In addition, group runs were organized every day at lunchtime and led by a monitor; group weekend long runs were also organized. “I found myself really looking forward to the lunchtime runs. It was a highlight of the day and gave me energy for the balance of the afternoon,” says new employee Verena Kuhn, a finance manager from Austria. Between 40K and 41K, finally somebody broached the topic, “How do we want to finish?” They were going to make it! They could even hear the sounds from the finish line, and the cheers from the spectators was the consistent, “Bravo, only a little farther to go.” Gradually the faces of effort and grimaces of determination were replaced by smiles. Their legs felt lighter. Some clearly were ready to bound ahead and finish strong. Some were still able to muster up only a steady shuffle. They talked as they ran and expressed different views on how they might finish. After the 18-week program unfolded, 306 employees signed up and paid their money to participate. The number surpassed even the wildest expectations of the organizers, who expected “maybe 200.” The local press dubbed the P&G team the “Vague Rouge” (red wave). In fact, the P&G team represented 10 percent of total registrants for the Geneva Marathon/ Half-Marathon (slightly over 3,000 registered), and 15 percent of the employees of the site in Geneva enrolled! Valerie Robert of HR: “Before we knew it, suddenly the Geneva Marathon had become one of the largest

organizational events for our Geneva site. With such a diverse organization, any event that draws over 10 percent of employees is a large endeavor. So for the marathon to sign up over 300 people was simply amazing.” The start line on Sunday, May 7, was an intimate affair. The start in front of the United Nations was picturesque, befitting this international city. With only 3,000 entrants, runners found it easy to move freely within the start area and seek out all of the Vague Rouge teammates simply by looking for the red shirts with the “Mr. Pringles” design. The team would be spread over finishing times of three hours, from the fastest coming in around 2:45 and the finishers group target- ing sub-6:00. But nobody cared. We were a team, and we were in this together.

The record books will show that the overall winner of the 2006 Geneva Marathon was Tesfaye Eticha with a time of 2:15 over the relatively fast course. The women’s champion was Joanna Chmiel, coming in with a time of 2:45. From the P&G team side, while Axel Riemann was the overall male leader, in a neat twist his significant other, Tanja Benser, was the overall P&G female leader with a time of 3:46.

With 500 meters to go, the “finishers” unanimously decided to finish their first marathon as they had started it—together as one team, linked together emotionally, spiritually, and physically. They joined hands and entered the chute as one unit, moving in perfect synchronization. They soaked up the cheers of the crowd, of their fellow teammates who had finished, and basked in the glory of the last 200 meters. The journey of the marathon was complete in 5:49. The journey of being better people, better businesspeople, and of personal growth would continue forever.

SPECIAL SECTION

The course made a three-leaf clover route, going out and back along both sides of the lake, into the central business district, and each time coming back to the heart of central Geneva. This gave plenty of chances for everyone to see each other and to cheer each other on. Patrick Nelson, an IT manager from the United States, says, “It was incredibly motivating to be able to see all our teammates pass by on the out-and-back loops and to cheer each other on. Each time this occurred, I could feel the wings on my feet give me an extra lift.” Axel Riemann, who ended up being the overall top P&G runner, coming in at 2:47, gave the same perspec- tive from the front of the pack. “Each time I would pass the finishers group, they would cheer me on. I have never felt such a sense of teamwork and bonding in a marathon as I did in this race.”

FLEET FEET TULSA TRAINING PROGRAMS

TRAINING PROGRAMS Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa is the exclusive running gear store and training partner of the Williams Route 66 Marathon. ®

No Boundaries I – learn to run No Boundaries II – improve your 5k run

WalkFit – beginner’s walking program Commitment: 10 weeks (offered spring, summer, fall) Current fitness level: inactive WalkFit will help participants take the first step on the way to a healthy lifestyle. A supportive and trained coach will help participants adopt a regular walking routine and assist them in meeting new fitness friends along the way. Participants will be encouraged and prepared to walk a 5K or fun run event at the end of the training program. Class Format: Two weekly organized and coached training walks, weekly motivational and educational e-mail, daily training schedule, monthly socials, educational clinics, a technical shirt and a goal event. Weekly Classes: Monday & Wednesday, 6 p.m. — Fleet Feet KingsPointe Tuesday & Thursday, 6 p.m. — Fleet Feet Blue Dome

Commitment: 12 weeks (offered spring, summer, fall) Current fitness level I: beginner; able to walk briskly for 20 minutes Current fitness level II: able to run/walk a 5K without struggling No Boundaries I will teach you how to run and No Boundaries II will teach you how to run faster. Used in succession, these programs will get you off the couch, across the finish line of a 5K (3.1 miles) and on the road to a new goal. Class Format: Two weekly organized and coached training runs, weekly motivational and educational e-mail, weekly handouts on training topics, daily training schedule, educational clinics, a special No Boundaries technical shirt, a goal event, graduation party and more. Weekly Classes: Monday & Wednesday, 5:50 p.m. — Fleet Feet KingsPointe Tuesday & Thursday, 5:45 p.m. — Fleet Feet Blue Dome NEW for 2012 – No Boundaries I and II is now offered in Owasso.

(918) 492-FEET (3338) WWW.FLEETFEETTULSA.COM Half Marathon and Marathon – long distance training

Fleet Feet Blue Dome

Commitment: 16-19 weeks (offered spring and fall)

5968 S. Yale Ave. / Tulsa, OK 418 E. 2nd St. / Tulsa, OK

Current fitness level: Marathon- must be able to run/walk six miles at a 12-13 minute per mile pace; half - must be able to run/ walk three miles at a 12-13 minute per mile pace. Half walkers - must be able to walk three miles at a 15-17 minute per mile pace.

The Pathways training program is designed to improve your endurance and distance and prepare you for a 10K (6.2 miles). Through coached pace groups, the program provides variety and intensity to maximize the effectiveness and benefits of training. Experienced coaches ensure participants receive the education and motivation needed to complete a 10K.

If you’re serious about training for and completing a marathon or half marathon, join the region’s premier training program that has helped more than 3,500 runners and walkers reach their goal to finish a marathon or half marathon. Our trained coaches have completed over 500 marathons combined and can offer the support and motivation needed to keep you going. With eight marathon and nine half marathon pace groups, there is a speed suited for every participant - whether this is your first marathon or you’re trying to qualify for Boston. Each session offers several different “specialized” training tracks – for example a Boston Bound track, an advanced marathon track and specific options for certain major out of town events. More details on these options are available on our website.

Class Format: Two weekly organized and coached training runs or walks, weekly motivational and educational e-mail, weekly handouts on training topics, daily training schedule, educational clinics, a special Pathways technical shirt, a goal event, graduation party and more.

Class Format: One weekly organized and coached training run or walk, experienced coaches, planned courses, aid stations, weekly motivational e-mail, special clinics on important training topics, a technical shirt and package of “other goodies” (depending on season), celebration party and much more.

Weekly Classes: Monday & Wednesday, 6 p.m. – Fleet Feet Blue Dome

Weekly Classes: Saturday morning training run and walk. Time of day varies with the season. Location rotates between the two store locations. Weekly fun runs and walks are available at both KingsPointe and Blue Dome stores for our marathon and half marathon participants.

Pathways – 10K training Commitment: 12 weeks (offered spring, summer, fall) Current fitness level: Walkers – must be able to easily walk three miles; Runners – must be able to run or run/walk three miles without struggling.

Tuesday & Thursday, 6 p.m. – Fleet Feet KingsPointe

FLEET FEET TULSA TRAINING PROGRAMS

Fleet Feet KingsPointe

FUNDRAISING TIPS & TRICKS Start early, start now The most important thing to remember with fundraising is that the sooner you get started, the sooner you will see donations come in.

Set your fundraising goal After setting your goal, you need to plan how to reach it. Every person you interact with during the day is a potential donor and somebody you can educate about how you are supporting the Tulsa area in November. There is no minimum fundraising level set - and participants earn gear as they secure donations.

Distribute a fundraising letter and email In order to fundraise, you have to communicate with potential donors. Be sure to explain why you are fundraising and don’t forget to ask for support. Be strategic and creative when and how you ask potential contributors for support – in lieu of birthday gifts, in honor of loved ones, to celebrate special events and holidays.

Ask for matching gifts Many companies support employee charitable giving by offering matching gift programs. Be sure to ask your donors if they are eligible for a company match and follow the process provided by the company to ensure the match is received.

Follow up with Others It is important that you stay in touch with potential donors as well as supporters who have already contributed toward your fundraising efforts. Keep your friends and family up-to-date on your fundraising and training milestones. Be sure to send thank you letters and gentle reminders.

Set up your personal fundraising webpage When participants opt to become a fundraiser during registration, they receive an email prompting the creation of a fundraising webpage. Participants can also login to myevents.active.com to access their headquarters, customize their webpage, upload photos, send emails and communicate with supporters. Already registered? No problem! You can follow these simple steps to set-up your fundraising page and start earning gear today. Visit www.route66marathon. com, click on “Register Now” and select the option to Create a Fundraising Page Only to become a fundraising participant. Be sure to personalize the page with photos, personal experiences or your reason for participating.

Be Creative with Technology Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can be used to promote your cause. Online donations are a convenient and effective method to fundraise. People generally donate more when donating online. The average online donation is $100, and participants who use online fundraising raise an average of 46% more than those who do not. About 65% of the donations made to online fundraising campaigns came through personal webpages.

Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa is the exclusive running gear store and training partner of the Williams Route 66 Marathon.

Nothing builds a team quite like teamwork. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Corporate Challenge gives employers the opportunity to foster camaraderie among employees, build a healthy corporate culture, and contribute to the local community.

Workin g together to build a culture of welln ess in your workp lace Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma members are eligible for a 10% discount on all Route 66 Marathon and Corporate Challenge events. Login to Blue Access for MembersSM or Blue Access for EmployersSM to retrieve the discount codes.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association 72781.0412