The Arthritis Foundation of New Mexico is recruiting walkers and runners for Joints in Motion(R), - the Arthritis Foundation's marathon training program that raises funds to fight arthritis, the nation's number one cause of disability. People of all fitness levels are being recruited to join the team and train for the marathons in Dublin (October 25-November 1) and Amsterdam (October 17-23).

Once fund-raising goals are met, members of the Joints in Motion - Team New Mexico receive free round-trip airfare and accommodations to either location. In physical preparation, participants will complete a comprehensive 20-week personal training program developed and monitored by expert coaches; race entry, team gear and educational clinics that cover proper shoe selection, injury prevention, and nutrition.

In addition, team members will make a difference in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis by raising funds and participating in the marathon in honor of someone with arthritis.

Training for the Dublin Marathon will begin the week of May 20 and includes weekly group training sessions led by a coach. Shaun Creighton will personally coach the Joints in Motion Team in Albuquerque. A native of Australia, Shaun has 15 years of experience in coaching, and has also competed internationally in the Olympics and in marathons. Shaun has coached several athletes to international representation and national championship medals. He also has vast experience in working with athletes who are very new to running.

In 2001, more than 4,000 runners and walkers completed marathons as part of the Arthritis Foundation's Joints in Motion Training Team, raising millions of dollars to help prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases.

Public informational meetings for those interested in learning more about joining the Joints in Motion Training Team are scheduled every Wednesday in April at the Courtyard Marriott - Journal Center. Please call the Arthritis Foundation for times. Whether you want to do this for yourself, to help the Arthritis Foundation take steps toward finding a cure for America's number one cause of disability, or for 26 million Americans to live better lives, do it today.

Contact Angelic Sandoval at (800) 477-7679, email [email protected] or visit jointsinmotion.org to join Team New Mexico - Joints in Motion.