20th Jimmy Stewart Marathon Is Scheduled For Saturday 

Jackie Joyner-Kersee To Co-Host

   “It’s a Wonderful Race,” the 20th anniversary edition of the Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon, is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 22 in Griffith Park. 
   Hosted by actor Robert Wagner and co-hosted by Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the event, the largest five-person relay marathon in America, benefits St. John’s Health Center’s Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, which treats children and adolescents who have suffered child abuse, emotional disabilities, depression and pre-natal exposure to drugs and alcohol, and their families. Since its inception, the race has raised $7.1 million for the Center. 
   It is named for the late Hollywood star who was its original host. Celebrities, community leaders, and leading runners participate annually in the event, which regularly attracts a large crowd of spectators. 
   In addition to watching the marathon, spectators can see a variety of performers on the main stage and visit health-oriented booths, while children are provided with a petting zoo and face-painting 
The relay marathon attracts approximately 35,000 runners and is made up of over 20 divisions, based on age, gender and corporate/industry affiliations. Each participant runs 5.2 miles before passing on the baton to a team-mate. The team covers a total of 26.2 miles. Also scheduled are special events for children, such as “The Diaper Dash” and “The Kids’ Race,” and a celebrity race. 
   Santa Monica residents on this year’s race committee are Gale K. Bensussen, vice president of Leiner Health Products, Jim Upchurch, vice president, US Bankcorp, and John Storer, vice president of Ad Sales, Homestore.com. Rosa Hernandez is Relay Marathon Director for St. John’s. 
   Applications may be obtained by calling 310 829 8968 or visiting the website at www.stjohns.org.