Meredith Corporation, the leading media and marketing company serving 100 million American women and 72 percent of U.S. millennial women, today announced that Natalie Morales, TODAY show News Anchor and Third-Hour Co-Host; Erica Hill, NBC News’ Anchor and National Correspondent; and Carolyn Manno, NBC Olympics Host, will host and run the 2016 MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon and kick off one of the largest women’s-only half-marathons in the country.
The race, held by Meredith’s SHAPE magazine in conjunction with the New York Road Runners (NYRR), will take place on Sunday, April 17, and draw 10,000 female runners and walkers of all ages, from around the world, to New York’s Central Park.
Morales and Hill are returning for the second year, after hosting the 2015 MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon and completing the race in an impressive 1:38:59 and 2:06:52, respectively.
“We’re so excited to have Natalie, Erica and Carolyn join us for our 13th annual race,” says Elizabeth Goodman Artis, Editor-in-Chief of SHAPE. “Their positive energy, and passion for health and fitness make them the perfect race hosts, and our runners will be thrilled to run alongside them on race day.”
Morales, Hill and Manno will be joined on race day by more than 30 TODAY and NBC Olympics staff members, running as on behalf of Team Run for TODAY and Team NBC Olympics.
In addition, Jennifer Storms, Chief Marketing Officer of NBC Sports Group, will be honored as part of the first-ever Women Run the World Relay & Mentorship Program. The program celebrates the 13th anniversary of the 13.1-mile race by recognizing 13 notable female leaders and highlighting the importance of supporting, inspiring and empowering the next generation of women. Additional honorees include Sara Bareilles, Danielle Brooks and Padma Lakshmi.
To watch the hosts kick off the partnership on TODAY, click here.
Race sponsors include Danskin Now, Lane Bryant, Maui Jim and Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co. CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that empowers women and girls around the globe, serves as the Charity Partner. Bloomingdale’s serves as the Retail Partner.
On race day, supporters and spectators are invited to cheer on the runners along the course in Central Park, and visit the Race Day Festival at Naumburg Bandshell to enjoy live music, free samples, giveaways, fun activities and more. There will also be an awards ceremony following the race to celebrate the runners and Women Run the World honorees.
To register for the 2016 MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon, click here. For race details and additional information, click here.
