Interactive website brings more running and sports medicine information to members

Bethesda MD – July 30, 2009 - The American Running Association (ARA) presents its new approach to web interaction for members and prospective members with our new website: www.americanrunning.org. Solving problems and answering questions from runners is our goal. The website redesign involved more than a makeover. The intent is to let members and web visitors read and view relevant stories and Q&A from sports medicine medical professionals. “Keeping people healthy through running, exercise and good nutrition is our mission”, stated Jeff Harbison, President of ARA. “Prevention and treatment of injuries and epidemics like obesity are at our core. Our new site (website) brings medical expertise and information directly to our members and the running public” ”, added Harbison.

Members from ARA and the American Medical Athletic Association (AMAA) and the American Road Race Medical Society (ARRMS) have access to the now-searchable “CLINIC Q&A responses” and “Fitness Articles” from past issues of RUNNING & FITNEWS®. The unique database of running and sports medicine articles can be searched directly on the site. The CLINIC (The DOC IS IN) feature has Q&A articles dating back six (6) years, all searchable.

“Our 200+ Clinic Advisors offer a truly unique medical service to members of our ARA and AMAA associations”, said AMAA President Charles Schulman, M.D. “We see the web as the next direct link between patient and physician and what better way to serve our active members than with a virtual “clinic”, added Dr Schulman. Members can submit a question on any sports medicine, nutrition or running question via the CLINIC section on the website. The CLINIC ADVISORS include sports medicine professionals and physicians; plus several nutritionists, trainers and running coaches.

Members can submit a question online that is then redirected to one or two appropriate CLINIC ADVISORS. The new website is part of ARA’s move to be a go-to source for adults of all ages, families and youth. Members can see stories on our Sports Medicine Symposiums that are produced by AMAA. Links will take site users to the AMAA events’ information and registration. Photo galleries, videos and stories are posted on running events, sports medicine meetings and youth cross country races. ARRMS members have the same access to search for articles, post questions to our CLINIC ADVISORS and search past Clinic responses. ARA and Youth Runner www.youthrunner.com) have joined forces to serve families and youth. ARA’s fall cross country races have gained interest among youth runners and parents. The Youth Runner and ARA partnership will provide more value and information to families and youth.

The new American Running website reflects our mission and goals. ARA is committed to providing running and sports medicine information and events to all Americans from youth to adult. It is our goal to improve lives and to influence local and national decision makers on the benefits of walking and running.

The American Running Association (ARAis a nonprofit organization founded in 1968 to promote healthy living and active lifestyles among all Americans. It is dedicated to supporting runners through education and specialized programs, as well as encouraging all individuals from youths to adults to run and be fit. The American Medical Athletic Associaton (AMAA) is the professional division of the American Running Association (ARA). AMAA is celebrating its 40th anniversary since being founded as the American Medical Joggers Association *(AMJA). The "Medical Joggers" are credited with bringing "running medicine" to the Boston Marathon and all other major marathons and running events since their founding in 1969. AMAA physicians and medical professionals lead medical teams at numerous marathons, triathlons and road races throughout the U.S. and foreign countries.