Danny Gokey to Perform for 30,000 Runners, Thousands of Spectators
Via Press Release:
American Idol’s Danny Gokey to Perform for 30,000 Runners, Thousands of Spectators
Season 8 star and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville Recording Artist will sing the national anthem
Appearance to raise awareness of his charity, Sophia’s Heart
Nashville, TN – April 28, 2011- As the sun is rising on Saturday, April 30th, more than 30,000 runners and walkers will toe the start line at the 12th annual Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan. Just before the gun fires, American Idol star and RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey will sing the national anthem, providing a moment of inspiration and reflection for the thousands watching.
Danny’s appearance and performance at the largest running event in Tennessee goes far beyond his race day anthem. He is also raising awareness for Sophia’s Heart, a non-profit organization in honor of his late wife.
During his appearance as a contestant on American Idol, Danny won the hearts of viewers after sharing that his wife, who he had been with for more than 10 years, had passed away just four weeks earlier. Sophia Martinez was born with a heart condition and died unexpectedly from complications from heart surgery on July 9, 2008. She had always encouraged Danny to try out for American Idol -and he would go on to finish in the Top 3 during Season 8.
Danny says the creation of Sophia’s Heart (www.sophiasheart.org) helped him to cope with his loss. Through his organization, he hopes to carry on her legacy by showing the love and passion that he and her both shared for children by promoting education, music and the arts, as well as providing charitable donations of food, shelter, clothing and medical support.
“Danny’s talent, music and passion made us reach out to him to not only sing the anthem for our event but to also help him get the word about his charity, Sophia’s Heart,” says Adam Zocks, General Manager. “Since Danny is also a runner, it’s a perfect way to involve him in our event and we hope that this is just the beginning.”
Danny released his debut album, “My Best Days” last March and is currently in the studio working on his sophomore album. Danny made his movie debut with a cameo and musical performance in the made for-TV family movie, Truth Be Told, which premiered on Fox on April 16th. This past weekend, Danny performed at the Grand Ole Opry and will join Taylor Swift on her Speak Now World Tour this Summer. In addition to his busy tour schedule, Danny is also championing new initiatives for his Charity, Sophia’s Heart. For more information and tour dates, please visit www.dannygokey.com
Other notable celebrity runners include: Diamond Rio – Country music stars, running with Team Rio for Big Brothers & Big Sisters; TobyMac-GRAMMY and DOVE Award winning Christian Artist, running with Team TobyMac for New Hope Academy’s Powered By Hope; Stephanie Abrams - Meteorologist, The Weather Channel, Wake up with Al; Marcus Lehman – Survivor Gabon; Suzanne Alexander – Host, Great American Country; Dan Evans, Biggest Loser, Season 5 and Country Music Artist.
The Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan will begin at 7:00am at Centennial Park. Runners will enjoy many of Nashville’s most historic sites like the Parthenon and Nashville’s world-renowned Music Row and an expansive finish line festival outside the Tennessee Titan’s home, LP Field, located along the Cumberland River. Later that evening, runners will complete the ultimate country music experience as Nashville legends Montgomery Gentry take the stage at Bridgestone Arena for the post race concert.
Registration is still available for both the full and half marathon. For more information, please visit Competitor.com.
About Sophia’s Heart
Sophia’s Heart was founded in honor of Sophia, Danny’s late wife. Her legacy of love lives on via this organization by inspiring children’s minds through music and arts, helping families succeed through interventions, and restoring hope to our communities. Many have already received hope by the helping hand of Sophia’s Heart. As our after school programs continue to develop and community outreach extends out further, Sophia’s Heart aims to transform the lives countless children, youth and families. For more information, please visit www.sophiasheart.org.
About the Country Music Marathon
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series event, on Saturday, April 30, 2011, the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan will celebrate its 12th annual running in Music City. Featuring many of Nashville’s best live bands on 28 stages along the 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses, the musically themed road annually attracts 35,000 runners, walkers and junior racers. Race weekend kicks off with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday, April 28 and includes the ING KiDS ROCK Nashville and a post-race concert Saturday night at the Bridgestone Arena. The Nashville Convention Center is home to the free Health & Fitness Expo which is open to the public as all race participants pick up their race number, browse through fitness related products, enjoy free samples and interactive clinics. For more information, please visit www.nashville.competitor.com or follow us on Twitter @runrocknroll.