SERENA WILLIAMS DEBUTS THE FIRST ANNUAL SERENA WILLIAMS ULTIMATE RUN IN MIAMI BEACH

 Newly crowned 18-time Grand Slam Winner to lead The South Beach Quarter Marathon,

5K Run/Walk and KIDS Dash to benefit the Serena Williams Fund in support of education and victims of violent crimes

On the heels of making history after winning the 2014 U.S. Open – her 18th Grand Slam title – Serena Williams will join thousands of avid running enthusiasts from South Florida and around the country for the first annual Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach, taking place on Sunday, December 14th. The Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), 5K Run/Walk and Ultimate KIDS Dash will bring together runners of all ages and abilities to support the Serena Williams Fund, which provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and providing underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them. Registration for each event is now open at www.TheUltimateRun.com  .

“Miami is very close to my heart — I’ve lived and trained here throughout my career — and it’s such an electric and diverse city,” said Williams. “I really hope Miami will come out to support this fun event and run with me to help youth in need, so that they’re able to thrive and live fulfilling lives.”

On Sunday, December 14th, famed Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic for the Ultimate RUN’s scenic start and finish lines. The course will take runners through Miami’s renowned South Beach scene, a major entertainment and tourist destination known for its picturesque beauty, Art Deco buildings, nightlife, restaurants and iconic hotels.  A number of high profile athletes from the Nike Oregon Project are anticipated to run, including U.S Olympian and American middle distance runner, Shannon Rowbury, the Canadian long-distance Olympic runner, Cam Levins, as well as a number of other notable athletes and celebrities. The legendary American track coach and retired long-distance runner, Alberto Salazar, is expected to fire the starting gun as a tribute to the commencement of the first annual event in Miami Beach. Event sponsors including Nike, Gatorade, Delta, Beats by Dre and MISSION Athletecare will take part in creating a memorable experience for all participants.

“Our goal is to think of what would make the ultimate run,” says Marc Wachter, the event’s executive producer. “We are thrilled to be working with Serena for the first annual Serena Williams Ultimate Run.  One of the world’s number one female athletes behind our inaugural event in Miami Beach, together with participants from the Nike Oregon Project, will make this run the Ultimate experience.”

Open to runners of all ages, registrants of the Ultimate RUN will receive a premium, Nike tech, gender-specific Ultimate RUN shirt and custom artisan Ultimate RUN finisher medal, official finisher certificate, chip timed results, recovery refreshments, post-race entertainment and an amazing RUN experience along one of the most famous beach front locations on earth. At the all-inclusive fun RUN, a medal and a Nike shirt will also be presented for the Ultimate KIDS Dash for ages 2-10, on a special secure course for the children lined with volunteers and parents who will help direct and cheer the smallest runners to the finish.

“Serena, South Beach, and running down Ocean Drive breaking a sweat for a good cause is a perfect combination,” said Michael Rose, Managing Partner of Rose Capital Advisors in Miami Beach and Board Member of the Serena Williams Fund. “We’re extremely fortunate and grateful that the community has embraced this project as strongly as all of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, family, and friends have. The race will truly be a weekend affair, leveraging all that South Beach has to offer – including an intimate welcome reception on Friday evening, an outdoor health and fitness expo open to the public on Saturday afternoon, and of course, a celebratory post-race karaoke party!”

A significant portion of proceeds resulting from the Serena Williams Ultimate Run will go towards the Serena Williams Fund, which provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and providing underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them.  For further information, visit www.theserenawilliamsfoundation.org

Registration for the first annual Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach on Sunday, December 14th is now open at www.TheUltimateRun.com at facebook.com/SerenaWilliamsUltimateRunSouthBeach and via Twitter @TheUltimateRun.  Additional inquiries can be made by calling 305.538.8899.  For further informationand updates, visit  www.TheUltimateRun.com

The Serena Williams Ultimate Run is sponsored by Nike, Gatorade, beats by dr. dre, Delta Airlines, MISSIONAthletecare, Merchant Hub, Whole Foods Market, Douglas Elliman, Rose Capital and Ocean Drive Magazine.