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Press Release

Over 2,400 Runners Take the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K

Benefit Event is Largest in History

Weehawken, NJ - April 22, 2008 - History was made on April 20th as 2,440 runners and walkers from as far as Kenya raced through the south tube of the Lincoln Tunnel to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey. The 22nd Annual Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, which raised more than $130,000, was presented by AmeriHealth New Jersey and sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey.

“The response from the public to this event was phenomenal,” according to Detective Larry Mays, event organizer. “We’ve exceeded last year’s participant number by 1,000 and we’ve raised more money for Special Olympics than ever before. We thank everyone for their involvement, from the runners, to the volunteers and our sponsors, this event was outstanding.”

This year’s overall winner in the male category went to Michael Burghoffer of Stockholm, NJ with a finish time of 16:17 (5:14 pace). Top female overall winner was Veronica Feltrin of Highland Park with a 19:13 minute finish time (6:11 pace).

This growing event saw runners from as far as Nairobi, Kenya to California and Texas join participants from 14 states to conquer the tunnel’s steep 8.5 percent grade.

According to Kenyan runner Simon Munayi, “I was impressed by the attitude of the American people, they came in droves. They even ran with babies in prams. All of this for the good of Special Olympics New Jersey. Running next to Special Olympics athletes moved me beyond words.”

CBSNewsradio 880’s Tom Kaminski was the emcee of the day. Category prizes were awarded for top overall finishers, top finishers by age, group, top fundraisers and largest group.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in the 22nd Annual Lincoln Tunnel Challenge. Your participation supports our belief that success in sport translates to success in life,” according to Marc Edenzon, President of Special Olympics New Jersey. “With a field of runners that was the largest in history, you’ve helped create awareness of the Special Olympics movement, and in so doing, have helped us bring opportunities for success to more children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.”

According to Judith L. Roman, president and CEO of AmeriHealth, “AmeriHealth is a staunch advocate for healthy lifestyles.” Roman continued, “AmeriHealth is proud to sponsor an event that promotes fitness and wellness, and we were especially pleased to see such age-diversity among the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge participants. It just shows that you’re never too young or too old to pursue wellness.”

Race results are available at www.compuscore.com. Please call 609-896-8000 or visit www.sonj.org for additional information on competition, events, volunteering, or support for Special Olympics New Jersey.

About AmeriHealth
AmeriHealth New Jersey provides health care coverage to nearly 230,000 New Jersey residents. The company’s contracted hospital and physician network includes thousands of physicians at 76 hospitals throughout its service area. AmeriHealth New Jersey has offices in Mt. Laurel and Iselin.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey
In it’s 25th year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey is led by a dedicated committee of 35 volunteers from all branches of Law Enforcement. The Torch Run Committee supports the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey through a host of year round fundraising activities and awareness campaigns. Additionally, members of the Torch Run award medals at competitions; and each year travel on foot throughout the state carrying the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” to ignite the cauldron and officially open Summer Games. In 2007, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey was ranked number two in the world for their grassroots fundraising efforts. In 2007, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey raised more than $2 million.

Special Olympics New Jersey provides free year-round sports training and Olympic-type competition in 23 sports for more than 17,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or other closely related developmental disabilities offering an avenue for success in life through sport.

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