Hilary Swank To Kick Off 2007 Blue Planet Run

 

WHAT:
A rousing send-off for the first-ever around-the-world relay.  Departing from the United Nations in
New York City on June 1, 2007, the historic run will spotlight the global human crisis that is responsible for the deaths of nearly 2.2 million people each year from the lack of safe drinking water.

The 2007 Blue Planet Run, made possible by the generous support of The Dow Chemical Company, will traverse the earth’s Northern Hemisphere, passing through 16 countries in 95 days. The Run concludes in New York City on September 4, 2007

WHO:
A multi-national team of 20 runners representing 13 countries will embark on the Blue Planet Run beginning June 1. Ranging in age from 23 to 60, the team includes a renowned American jazz musician, a Scottish gardener and a champion Japanese marathoner.  

WHERE:
United Nations, North Lawn
- Enter on First Avenue (at 45th Street)
- Allow one hour for security clearance and set up
- All individuals and equipment subject to security clearance
- Media vehicles can park on traffic island on First Avenue, directly in front of visitor’s entrance

WHEN:
Friday, June 1, 2007
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EST
Press arrival:  9:00 a.m.EST

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
* Jin Zidell, founder and chairman of the Blue Planet Run Foundation
* Andrew Liveris, Chairman & CEO of The Dow Chemical Company
* Amir Dossal, Executive Director, United Nations Fund for International Partnerships
* The Blue Planet Run 20-person athlete team

Two-time Academy Award winning actress, Hilary Swank, will be making remarks at the event to lend her support to the unprecedented undertaking.

Interviews in more than a dozen languages will be available.

WHY:
More than one billion people are without access to safe drinking water. Nearly 2.2 million people, most of them children, die each year due to diseases related to unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene.  Water-related illnesses are the single greatest cause of human sickness and health-related death worldwide.  Dow and Blue Planet Run have joined forces to draw attention to the water crises and help people understand how to become part of the solution.

VISUALS:
- Live world music performance
- School children cheering for the Blue Planet runners
- Dramatic hand-off of baton as first runner sprints off to mark the start of this epic, global journey 

RSVP:
Rachel Greene
312.771.7779
rgreene@golinharris.com