Ben Rosario understands the importance of group efforts. Before returning to his hometown of St. Louis in 2006 to open the first of three Big River Running Company stores, the former D2 All-American from Truman State College ran professionally for the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project in suburban Detroit. Off his Hanson’s training in Michigan Ben qualfied for the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials, then finished second at the 2005 U.S. Marathon Championships at the Twin Cities Marathon. Today, Rosario announced that he and his Big River Running Company partner Matt Helbig are joining the “Dollar for Distance Development” pledge for their June 1st Big River Festival of Miles presented by Under Armour.
“We believe in the sport,” said Rosario who, it was also announced today, will direct the 2012 & 2013 U.S. National Cross Country Championships in St. Louis’ Forest Park. “And we believe in the sport’s potential to grow. Our Festival of Miles Foundation gives funds to athletes in need, so we will pledge $500 from our foundation and another $500 from our three stores. This is exactly the kind of program that people can do across the country, and help move the sport forward.” (more…)
