Boston, MA, April 17, 2009—Uta Pippig, founder and president of Take The Magic Step®, will be attending the 2009 Boston Marathon as a special guest—and the coach of the Team Hoyt runners as Dick Hoyt and his wheelchair-bound son Rick compete in their 1000^th event to raise funds and awareness for the physically challenged across the world.

Kathy Boyer, Team Hoyt spokesperson, said: “This year we are very honored to have Uta Pippig as our coach. In a spirit of charity and giving, Uta tirelessly has helped our group of runners prepare for the Boston Marathon. With Dick and Rick entering their 1000^th event, we could not think of a better coach for our charity runners!”

“It is such an honor to support this wonderful team,” said Uta Pippig. “The runners from Team Hoyt stand for what is best in sports and in life. I am in awe of their commitment and of their amazing fundraising efforts which are led by Dick and Rick, who have given inspiration everywhere with their never-give-up attitude.”

Uta, who also won three Berlin Marathons and one New York City Marathon, earning her the international nickname, “Running Girl,” retired from competitive racing in late 2004 to create Take The Magic Step®. This international organization helps people to achieve a better sense of wellbeing through inspiration, education, and lifestyle changes—made one small step at a time. The company works with corporations and individuals to create a positive and healthy motivational environment for each and every participant. Its sister organization, Take The Magic Step Foundation, supports charities that include Boston’s American Liver Foundation, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, South Boston Neighborhood House, and Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House.

Uta’s efforts have been featured on PBS and ABC News as well as in Runner’s World and in the current premiere issue of Northwest Life magazine. Additionally, Uta and Take The Magic Step Foundation co-founder, Michael Reger, are on the Board of Advisors of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab.

During the Marathon weekend, Uta will be a featured speaker at the American Liver Foundation Breakfast, The Dana Farber Marathon Challenge, and The Team Hoyt Pasta Dinner before she joins her Team Hoyt runners at the starting line in Hopkinton on Monday morning.

“Each year Boston provides such great athletic achievements against a backdrop of tradition and truly historic setting,” said Pippig. “And at the same time, Boston provides a “people’s race,” where runners can test themselves and go for the ultimate challenge, and where caring individuals run for Charity. Thank you to the city of Boston for inviting us each year to your Marathon!”

For more information on Uta and Take The Magic Step®, please visit www.TakeTheMagicStep.com, or call 561-329-3533.