Michael Waltrip announced he will run the Las Vegas Marathon on January 30, 2005, and has made a commitment to raise $1 million benefiting Victory Junction Gang Camp in an effort called "OPERATION MARATHON, Going the Distance for Kids." Additionally, Waltrip has teamed up with Devine Racing in a five-year agreement to support OPERATION MARATHON. For every person who signs up to run in this year's Las Vegas Marathon, Devine Racing will donate $10 to the cause. Over the next three years, the company is committed to spending $2.3 million in advertising and public relations to promote the Las Vegas Marathon and OPERATION MARATHON. According to Waltrip, OPERATION MARATHON stemmed from a desire to help with the operating costs of Kyle and Pattie Petty's newly opened Victory Junction Gang Camp in honor of their late son, Adam Petty.

OPERATION MARATHON is an avenue for people to donate money to the camp. Fans can contribute to OPERATION MARATHON by logging onto www.michaelwaltrip.com or calling 1-866-WALTRIP. All the information needed to get involved with the marathon, or to simply donate, can be found on the website. Waltrip offers several ways for fans to get involved including entering the marathon or the 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, January 29, 2005. The 3.1-mile race has designated OPERATION MARATHON as the PresentingSponsor and will be followed by an autograph session with Waltrip. The 39th Annual Las Vegas Marathon is expected to draw more than 10,000 racers, many of them International Elite runners. This year's prize money will be in excess of $100,000..(PR)(7-4-2004)

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