Ultra-Marathoners Run 1,790 Miles, Take Home $5,500

AUSTIN, Texas, June 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultra-marathoners rivaling in The Back on My Feet in24 Austin Race Challenge Presented by ACE Cash Express ran a total of 1,790 miles as a tribute to the Boston Marathon victims. Back on My Feet, a for-purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness transform their own lives and achieve employment and independent living, launched its 10^th chapter in Austin in January and introduced Austinites to the race.

"Our program in Austin has had a lot of success and an outpouring of support so far. We had a great time bringing an event to the Austin running community that is as unique as our organization itself," said Joe Marruchella, executive director of Back on My Feet Austin.

For 24 hours, runners circled the 5-mile loop around Camp Mabry while a 5-person relay and two individual 5-mile races competed simultaneously.

Doug Long, male winner of the ultra-marathon, ran 110 miles and the first-place prize of $1,500. The first-place female ultra-marathoner, Shae Riley, ran 81 miles and was also awarded $1,500. Other cash prizes ranging from $50 to $750 were awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female runners for each race, totaling $5,500 in race winner awards.

"ACE Cash Express is proud to partner with Back on My Feet in support of their mission to help those experiencing homelessness, regain self-sufficiency and financial independence," said Jay Shipowitz, ACE CEO.

ACE Cash Express, a leading retailer of financial services, is a national partner of Back on My Feet and has supported multiple Back on My Feet events across the nation. Back on My Feet Austin is extremely grateful for ACE's support and for the support from partners including Amy's Ice Cream, AustinFit Magazine, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Cadence Sports, Camp Gladiator, CC West Printing, Emmis Radio, First Choice Emergency Room, Freeman, Gatorade, Hess Chiropractic, JW Marriott, Mitscoots, My Fit Foods, New Belgium Brewery, Rogue Running, Westlake Massage and Whole Foods.

About Back on My Feet

Back on My Feet (BoMF), launched in Philadelphia in 2007, is a national for purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living.  The organization creates a community built on the very profound and innate desire for all of us to feel recognized, appreciated and supported.  Back on My Feet does not provide food nor shelter, but instead provides coaching, resources, financial aid, job training and access to employment opportunities. The organization has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Atlanta, New York City and Austin.  Back on My Feet Los Angeles will launch in October 2013.  The organization has received media support including attention from NBC Nightly News, ABC World News, CNN and The Today Show for its ingenuity in tackling this difficult social issue. More information can be found at backonmyfeet.org.  

About ACE Cash Express

ACE Cash Express, Inc. is a leading retailer of financial services, including short-term consumer loans, check cashing, bill payment and prepaid debit card services.  ACE is the largest owner and operator of check cashing stores in the United States and the second largest owner and operator of short-term consumer loan stores in the United States. ACE focuses on serving consumers, many of whom seek alternatives to traditional banking relationships in order to gain convenient and immediate access to financial services. For additional information about ACE Cash Express, visit www.acecashexpress.com.

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SOURCE Back on My Feet