Roanoke, Va., May 26, 2005 – Roanoke, Va.— The starter’s gun fires June 4, at 8 a.m., on the region’s premiere running event – the Appalachian Power Festival Run.

“For 10 years our company has been proud to help sponsor the 5K and 10K run as part of Roanoke’s Festival in the Park,” said Terry Hall, Appalachian Power manager – community affairs. “The event is great for runners, whether they’re competitive or just running for fun; and the route showcases Roanoke’s riverside parks, views and community. It is truly a fun-filled atmosphere whether you’re a runner or a spectator."
 
More than 100 volunteers annually deliver hundreds of hours of labor to make this event a success. In addition to Festival professionals, the race coordinators greatly appreciate the volunteer effort of Appalachian Power employees and retirees, the community, media volunteers, school athletic groups and others, Hall said. In particular, the efforts of the Star City Striders, who assist at the start and finish lines and compile race results, should be recognized.

The 24th annual Appalachian Power Festival Run begins at 8 a.m., June 4, on Jefferson Street in downtown Roanoke and concludes on Day Avenue between First and Second streets. Awards and programs will be held in the nearby Appalachian Power garage.

Registration will be accepted the morning of the race. The fee is $28. To register for the Appalachian Power Festival Run, contact Tammi Jewell, at Virginia Amateur Sports at 540-343-0987 or on-line at commonwealthgames.org.

Appalachian Power provides electricity to 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.  It is a unit of American Electric Power, the nation’s largest electricity generator.  AEP owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity and is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, with more than 5 million customers in 11 states.