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Press Release
Olympic Runner Todd Williams To Promote Fitness at Kentlands/Lakelands 5K
July 30, 2003, Gaithersburg, MD – An Olympic runner like Todd Williams--whose achievements include a world class 27:31 10K and 2:11 marathon—is often expected to share his methods for beating the competition when he comes to an event like the upcoming Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run/Walk.
But Todd Williams will have a different message at the Kentlands/Lakelands event, to be held August 30 starting in Market Square in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg. His message: running, walking and fitness programs are important for everyone, no matter what your age or motivation.
An unlikely topic for a runner who spent years preparing and competing for Olympic and world class races? "Not really," Williams says. "Of course, I think healthy competition is a very important way to bring out the best in people. But you have to maintain your fitness program throughout life in order to reap the health benefits. So my goal is to encourage people to find out what motivates them to stay in shape. If that means training and racing for a PR or breaking the course record --then go for it…But if running with family and friends is what motivates you for fitness, then do what works for you."
Williams added: "The Kentlands/Lakelands 5K is a great event for runners who enjoy racing against topflight competition, as well as folks who just want to run with family, friends and neighbors."
For Williams, the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K will be his first foray into "recreational" running after retiring from competitive racing last year. "It’s certainly going to be a change for me after so many years of intense competitive running," Todd noted. "But my focus is no longer winning on the track—it’s to encourage others to run, walk, go to the gym, or do whatever it takes to get and stay healthy. By running recreationally, I’m hoping to set an example for others."
Steve Solbeck, Co-Race Director of the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run, noted that Williams’ reputation, as a promoter of the health benefits of running is one reason why the Race Committee invited him to appear at this year’s race. "The Kentlands/Lakeland 5K run and walk is a community event designed to bring people together," he said. "So while we wanted to bring in a runner with outstanding athletic credentials, we also wanted someone who would be able to communicate effective ways to stay fit and healthy. Todd Williams fits both criteria."
