NHL Legend Mark Messier to Run ING New York City Marathon 2011

New York, October 13, 2011— Six-time Stanley Cup champion and captain of the 1994 New York Rangers championship team Mark Messier will run the ING New York City Marathon 2011 on Sunday, November 6. The announcement was made at an event at the Empire State Building for The New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund – one of the charities that Messier is running to support.

The Hockey Hall of Famer joins a line-up of other sports stars running the marathon, including two-time U.S. Olympian softball pitcher Jennie Finch, running with Timex, and eight-time U.S. Olympic medalist in short-track speed skating Apolo Ohno, running with Subway. Past ice legends who have run the ING New York City Marathon include former Rangers player and 1994 Stanley Cup championship team member Adam Graves (4:27:32) in 2006, former Rangers goalie and 1994 Stanley Cup championship team member Mike Richter (3:54:34) in 2007, and U.S. Olympic speed skater Dan Jansen (3:41:43) and National Hockey Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine (4:27:08) in 2009.

Messier is running the marathon in support of two causes – Tomorrows Children’s Fund and Answer the Call.

“I am truly honored to represent two charities I am deeply committed to, Tomorrow’s Children Fund and Answer the Call, by running in this year’s New York City Marathon,” said Messier. “The year of training has afforded me the opportunity to reflect on my commitment to both of these important causes and has cemented my resolve to help ensure that the men, women, and children have the support that they need to live fulfilling lives.”

Messier, considered one of the greatest NHL players of all time, is currently special assistant to the president and general manager of the New York Rangers—the team that he led in 1994 to their first Stanley Cup title in 54 years. Messier is the second leading scorer in NHL history with 1,887 points (693 goals, 1,194 assists), trailing just Wayne Gretzky (2,857), and the only player in NHL history to captain two different teams to Stanley Cup titles (Rangers and Edmonton Oilers).

“We’re ecstatic to welcome Mark this year as he trades his skates for running sneakers,” said New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. “Mark is a hockey legend, among the great leaders in sports history, and a real New York icon. He’ll be an inspiration to all on November 6.”

To support Mark Messier in the ING New York City Marathon 2011 and Tomorrows Children’s Fund, please visit Mark Messier NYC ING Marathon.

Anyone can be a part of Team Messier and Answer The Call with the Captain by texting ANSWER THE CALL to 20222 to make a $10 donation. For more information visit www.answerthecall.org.