SALEM, VIRGINIA – National College (www.national-college.edu) will relinquish the position of title sponsor for the 2013 Blue Ridge Marathon.

“We have enjoyed being a part of this event since its inception,” said Frank Longaker, president of National College. “While we are proud to have been an instrumental part of the remarkable growth of this event, we recognize that to sustain its rate of growth the marathon could benefit from a more targeted title sponsor.”

National College was selected as the first title sponsor in 2010 and has sponsored the race for three consecutive years. In addition to sponsoring the event, each year the college paid entry fees and travel expenses for approximately 45 employees from six states, and recruited between 60 and 80 volunteers, including faculty and students in the college’s paramedic and EMT programs who provided medical support at the rest stops along the marathon route.

“We wish the marathon many years of continued success,” said President Longaker.

Founded in 1886, National College is dedicated to the training and education of men and women for a full life and a successful career in a number of fields in business, computers, and health care. The College offers more than 40 academic programs including a master of business administration, eight bachelor’s degrees, and numerous associate degree and diploma programs. Serving 30 communities through campus locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, the College currently serves more than 10,000 students annually.

Submitted by National College