HOUSTON (November 6, 2013) – The Houston Marathon Committee (HMC) announced on Wednesday that the HMC has joined the International Institute for Race Medicine (IIRM), becoming the first official member of the organization.   Formerly known as the Association for Road Race Medicine (AARMS), the IIRM is an international collective of medical professionals with the goal of furthering research, education and best practices in marathons and other endurance road races throughout the world.

“The Houston Marathon Committee has been a part of the International Institute for Race Medicine since its inception,” said Chevron Houston Marathon Medical Director John Cianca, M.D., who contributed to the development of the Institute.  “This commitment of funds to IIRM is another way in which HMC is dedicating itself to the advancement of race medicine and to the safety of all participants. We hope this will inspire other races to join us and in so doing make it possible for IIRM to fulfill its mission.”

The Houston Marathon Foundation (HMF), whose mission includes supporting health education and safety initiatives in the industry, has also donated $6,600 to support the growth and success of the IRRM.  These proceeds were donated to the HMF by Runner’s High Club, a local race organization that conducted the inaugural Alaina Dixon 5 Miler and 2 Mile Walk on September 2nd of this year.  The race was conducted in honor of Dixon and named for the Houston runner who suffered cardiac arrest on the finish line of the 2011 Chevron Houston Marathon. Thanks to the life-saving efforts of medical personnel on the finish line, Dixon was revived and her life was saved.

“The Houston Marathon Foundation supports the IIRM because of their innovative thinking and research that benefits community based running related health initiatives,” said Foundation Board President Maddie Bunch.  “We are proud to support this organization through the efforts of Gary Mulvihill and Runner’s High Club.”

The Foundation also recently funded an educational video featuring Dixon in conjunction with the City of Houston, Houston Fire Department, and the Office of Emergency Management for the HMC that teaches hands-only CPR.  This cause is close to the heart of the organization after HMC and HMF Board of Director David Chester lost consciousness at a local track and was revived by hands-only CPR.



About the International Institute for Race Medicine
The International Institute for Race Medicine, (IIRM) has been established to act as a resource for all medical professionals, including: physicians, nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers, EMS personnel, physician assistants, and others who work or volunteer at marathons, half marathons, 10K, triathlons and charity runs. Their goal is to ensure that every event and medical staff have accurate medical information and guidelines, that will improve their athlete’s experience.

For more information on the International Institute for Race Medicine, visit http://racemedicine.org/.

About the Houston Marathon Foundation
The mission of the Houston Marathon Foundation is to support the advancement of running as an element of a balanced, healthy lifestyle in the Houston community and nationally. The Houston Marathon Foundation is a community organization with local roots. HMF serves the greater Houston area through program management and support of organizations that demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program integrity while promoting an understanding of, access to, and/or participation in running as part of a physical fitness regimen.

For more information on the Houston Marathon Foundation, visit http://www.houstonmarathonfoundation.com/.

About the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc.
Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC), a Running USA Founding Member, annually organizes the nation’s premier winter marathon, half-marathon, and 5K. Over 250,000 participants, volunteers and spectators make Chevron Houston Marathon Race Day the largest single-day sporting event in Houston.  Race Weekend generates over $50 million in economic impact for the region annually.  In 2013, the Run For a Reason Charity Program raised $2.2 million and the HMC garnered Gold Certification from the Council of Responsible Sport for industry-leading sustainability initiatives.  Host to 12 U.S. Half Marathon Championships since 2005 and the 1992 women’s Olympic Trials Marathon, HMC conducted the nationally-televised 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, which featured men and women competing on the same course simultaneously for the first time, vying for the chance to represent Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games.

For more information, visit www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or call 713.957.3453.