12/10/2014 – READY TO RUN? TRAIN FOR FREE WITH DERBY FESTIVAL AND NORTON SPORTS HEALTH

REGISTRATION FOR FREE TRAINING PROGRAM OPENS DEC. 12

Dec. 10, 2014. Louisville, KY.   If you’re ready to run, you can sign up now to train for FREE with Norton Sports Health and Kentucky Derby Festival.  The annual Training Program helps prepare runners and walkers for the KDF Marathon and miniMarathon in the spring.  Interested runners and walkers can register online beginning this Friday, December 12, at www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com.

The free 14-week Norton Sports Health Training Program offers training tips and weekly group runs for participants of all levels of experience. The first 800 who register for both the Training Program, and to participate in the KDF Marathon or miniMarathon receive a free tech shirt. The kick-off for the program is set for Jan. 15, 2015, at 6 p.m. at Bellarmine University’s Knights Hall.

The first meeting includes distribution of a free training manual; free gifts from Norton Sports Health; overview of the Marathon and miniMarathon; introduction of the Norton Sports Health Training Team including orthopedic and primary care physicians specializing in sports health, professional athletic trainers, nutritionists and physical therapists with specialized experience in caring for athletes; and a question-and-answer session for all participants. The 42nd annual 13.1-mile miniMarathon and 14th annual 26.2-mile Marathon will be held on Saturday, April 25th.

This is Norton Sports Health’s third year as title sponsor of the Training Program.  They are joined by contributing sponsor, Swags Sport Shoes, and media sponsor, 102.3 The Max.

Norton Sports Health, a part of Norton Healthcare, is one of the Louisville area’s leading sports-related injury prevention and treatment programs. From professional, collegiate and high school competitors to those who just want to stay fit, Norton Sports Health provides advanced care for athletes and active individuals of all ages. The Norton Sports Health specialists are experts in arthroscopic surgery and other minimally invasive procedures used to treat sports-related injuries of the shoulder, elbow and knee. In addition to treating sports injuries, these specialists are involved in research to gain a better understanding of why athletes become injured. The Norton Sports Health team includes fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, professional trainers and physical therapists who work together to design customized programs to meet each patient’s specific needs. More information is available at www.NortonHealthcare.com/SportsHealth.

Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

January 11 - April 20
March 22 - March 24
March 24 - March 24
March 28
April 6 - April 6