USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council has named the Morrison Auto Group and Volkswagen of America as its contributors of the year. Other nominees included

• Teva, 

• the Alaska Local Organizing Committee (2003 WMRT), 

• AUA, 

• Trail Runner magazine, 

• Ultrarunning magazine, 

• Running Times magazine 

• and Natural Ovens Bakery.

Morrison Auto Group and Volkswagen of America were the presenting sponsors of the 19th World Mountain Running Trophy (WMRT) held in Gridwood, AK. This was the first time the WMRT has been held in North America.

According to WMRT Event Director Brad Precosky, "As the presenting sponsors of the most prestigious mountain running event ever held in the United States, it can be said that they made it happen. Their initiative to partner with us did more than pay for a lion’s share of the bills - they started a snowball accumulation effect for smaller sponsors, giving us the momentum to accomplish our goals".

According to Teva US Mountain Running Team Leader Richard Bolt, "The success of the 2003 WMRT means that the United States stands an excellent chance of hosting the WMRT again in the future. The substantial contribution made by Morrison Auto Group and Volkswagen of America helped support the future of mountain running in the USA as much as it made the 2003 WMRT a great event".

At the 2003 WMRT more than 250 athletes representing 27 nations competed in four categories: men, women, junior men and junior women. The Jr. Men, Jr. Women and Sr. Women competed on September 20, with Sr. Men competing on September 21. The Citizen's Open race drew 217 runners and was also held on September 21. Complete results can be found at: http://www.wmrt2003.org/results.htm

Past recipients of the USATF MUT Contributor of the Year awards include Teva in 2002, Ultrarunners Supporting Ultrarunners in 2000 and the American Ultrarunning Association in 2001.

Morrison Auto Group and Volkswagen of America will receive their award at the USATF annual convention in Greensboro, NC on Saturday, December 6 during an awards breakfast.

For more information about Morrison Auto Group go to: http://www.morrisonautogroup.com/en_US/

For more information about Volkswagen of America go to: http://www.vw.com/

Richard Bolt 

Men's Team Manager 

Teva US Mountain Running Team 

43 Salisbury St. 

Manchester, NH 03104 603-627-7213