(Naperville, IL)….Guinness World Record holder and ultra athlete George Hood will once again climb aboard his LeMond Revmaster “spin” bike and pedal his way into the Guinness Book of World Records during a 7 day, 135 + hour charity fundraiser event on behalf of the Heritage YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The ultra marathon event will be held May 4-10, 2008 at the Fry Family YMCA located at 2120W 95^th St. in Naperville, IL. Hood recently spoke at the Heritage YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Kickoff Breakfast in Naperville, IL and he continues to attract quite a following of supporters who are inspired by his effort.

Hood’s passion for world record fundraising feats has been an inspirational story that has changed lives. Hood, a former career federal agent, recently retired from the DEA and has put his own “second career” options on hold while he commits his time to training on behalf of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and ultimate Guinness World Record attempt. “I want this event to draw worldwide attention to the kids, families and communities that are impacted and changed by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign! By its very nature, this event will not be forgotten in the hearts and minds of those who benefit from the Strong Kids Campaign,” stated Hood.

The Strong Kids Campaign is one way of assuring that no one is ever turned away because they lack financial resources. "The Heritage YMCA is 100% committed to helping everyone who needs our assistance and the Y's ability to continue to make and deliver on this statement is dependent on a sustained effort to raise funds. The 2007 Strong Kids Campaign set a record with over $470,000 pledged. Because of that great effort, hundreds of kids, teens, families, and seniors enjoyed the Y. We are really excited about this event and welcome the communities involvement," said Walter Johnson, vice president, resource development, Heritage YMCA.

Some of you may recall that in July, 2007, Hood set a GWR on the stationary spin bike of 111 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds. Hood held the GWR up until just recently when GWR officials notified Hood that his record had been surpassed, unofficially, just two weeks after his July attempt by a former Guinness World Record holder in Tasmania. That attempt was only recently certified by GWR and the current record stands now at 132 hours. Fueled by an international spirit of competition and a passionate desire to help others, Hood committed to a re-attempt at the record on behalf of the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. Hood has successfully completed two previous GWR attempts for two different charity organizations and his endurance rides have attracted quite a following in the local area. Hood’s commitment to raising money for non-profit organizations like the YMCA validates his belief that investing in our kids and families today will not only improve our fiscal resources but with our examples of leadership, team building and hard work, will ensure a safe, successful and healthy future for all kids and families for generations to come.

Hood is presently training for his upcoming event at the X Sport Fitness Center in Naperville who has graciously provided Hood training time at all hours of the night and day in preparation for his event. Hood has completed several “long spins” and recently set a new personal best of 18 straight hours without a break during his recent 18 hour ride. Hood’s long training rides have been a magnet for others who come to see, at times, the unbelievable physical and psychological effort and spirit that is vested in hours of sleep deprivation and training for such long spins that prepare Hood for the ultimate 135 plus hour event in May. GWR rules will permit Hood 5 minutes of break time for each hour he completes on the bike and the break time may be accumulated. While there is no speed requirement, GWR does require Hood to travel 12 miles each hour. Hood’s goal is to break the current record of 132 hours and keep the record in the USA where it was set with such passion and inspiration on behalf of so many during previous attempts.

Hood’s tremendous groundswell of support for his upcoming ride and his race to the finish for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign will forever be memorialized in the GWR book that will be out this fall. This ride will involve a total of 6 overnight experiences for Hood where he will have very little, if any, sleep and a total distance covered of approximately 1700 miles! Hood’s goal is to raise $50K, which may very well exceed the largest individual donation ever made to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Hood hopes his efforts in conjunction with the campaign will push the community to give generously and exceed the Y’s overall campaign fundraising goal of $500K.

Volunteers are needed to provide 24/7 monitoring of the event as well as medical personnel and trainer/pit crew personnel. Anyone interested in volunteering to be part of this historic event should contact Kathy Lewandowski, Event Administrative Officer at 630.260.4699. Sponsorship and donation information for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign in conjunction with this event can be obtained by going to www.RideGeorgeRide.org which also contains information and updates regarding the event. You may also contact Dee Dee McDevit, Marketing and Media coordinator, Heritage YMCA at 630.420.3411 for additional information. Hood is available for interviews during any of his training events and he can be reached via his cell at 630.415.6222 or email or by calling Dee Dee McDevitt at the number above.