8th Annual “Say No to Drugs” Race Holiday Classic to Benefit Drug Education and Prevention

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jason Dohring (of “Moonlight” on CBS) will emcee the 8^th annual “Say No to Drugs” Race Holiday Classic to take place at historical Griffith Park on Sunday, December 14^th, 2008, benefiting drug education and prevention.

Currently expected to join in on the fun are more than two thousand participants, including celebrities and special guests, Elite Runners and Corporate Teams from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Walt Disney Group.

With $5,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, it will be a fast race to the finish for the 5K and 10K runs. For those who prefer a breezier pace, there is a 5K walk. And for the younger participants, ages 6 and under, there will be a “Kiddie Fun-Run.” All Fun-Run participants will receive a “winner’s medal” and a complimentary DVD as well as a Pokemon toy for boys and a Dora the Explorer toy for girls (courtesy of Jakks Pacific).

This year we are pleased to announce the addition of the “Say No to Drugs Kid’s Zone” which includes fun activities and entertainment such as Face Painting, a Bouncy House, a Balloon Maker, a Clown, Music & Entertainment and more! Come join us on race day and bring the whole family! Whether running, walking, playing or simply spectating, all are invited to support this worthwhile cause.

Grand Marshal, Councilman Tom LaBonge (representative of the Fourth Council District) will start the runners on their way as the Los Angeles Fire Department starts the race off with a “bang” by sounding their powerful fire horns – so don’t be late! The 5K and 10K runs and the 5K walk commence at 8:00 a.m., and the Kiddie Fun-Run at 8:30 a.m.

And at the finish line, there will be a delicious complimentary pancake breakfast for everyone, cooked and served up entirely by our volunteers – so be sure to bring your appetite.

Following the race, prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 male and female finishers of the 5K and 10K run. A raffle will be held for all race registrants with spectacular prize give-aways including tickets to Sea World and the Los Angeles Kings, an autographed hockey puck from the LA Kings, a night’s stay at the Westin Bonaventure, DVD gift Basket donated by Disney, athletic wear by Adidas and much, much more.

This holiday event is presented by Team Against Drugs with race proceeds benefiting Friends of Narconon* , the Drug-Free Marshals** and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America*** – three organizations with impressive track records in keeping teens and children educated on the harmful effects of drugs.

Sotheby’s, Snickers, TicketMaster, Ralph’s, Buena Vista Entertainment, 93.3 JACK FM, Longo Toyota-Lexus-Scion, Overstock.com, Whole Foods and Warner Bros. are just a few of the many corporate sponsors contributing to and participating in this worthy cause.

For more information, please visit: www.saynotodrugsrace.org.

*Friends of Narconon is an international group dedicated to drug prevention for children in schools and has delivered educational presentations to thousands of schools using a unique approach which speaks directly and effectively to children. They produce and distribute videos to school systems nationwide that give children the truth about drugs.

**Drug-Free Marshals is also an international anti-drug effort aimed at teens and pre-teens with the purpose of equipping them with the truth about drugs so that they can make their own decisions. They utilize a highly successful approach which has rapidly become a very effective grassroots movement all across the country.

***The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is the nation’s fastest-growing youth development organization with a primary focus on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. BGCA now serves some 4.8 million girls and boys through membership and community outreach at more than 4,000 affiliates in the United States, and on military bases in Europe and Asia.