MURFREESBORO, TN – "Murph", the beloved rabbit who lives in "Murphry's Burrow", has signed on as spokesbunny for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon's Fun Run, newly named "Murph's Fun Run".

"The race committee searched for a person, or animal, who embodied our mission of health and fitness while having fun" said Melinda Tate, race director. "Murph was the obvious choice, as he is an advocate of helping kids lead a healthy and happy lifestyle."

The one-mile race is open to children ages 6 - 13 and will start immediately after the start of The Murfreesboro Half Marathon at 7 a.m. on October 16. The registration fee is $15 per child. The course begins in the Greenland Drive parking lot at MTSU, goes up and down a portion of Old Lascassas Hwy. and finishes on the track at MTSU's Dean Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.

Murph is the host of the national award winning children’s educational television program Adventures in Murphry’s Burrow which airs on the cable access channel City 3.  Now in its seventh season, the series is a winning collaboration between Murfreesboro City Schools, City 3, and series creator Nancy Phillips.  It airs weekdays at 3:30 p.m., weekends at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the newest episode.

"I am so ‘hoppy’ to be the face of the Murfreesboro Fun Run," said Murph. "Even with the hectic life of a celebrity, I try to stay healthy and to let children know how important it is to eat right and get plenty of exercise. I guess I am the obvious choice for spokesbunny since I run everywhere I go!"

Participants will receive a souvenir t-shirt, a finisher's medal, a goodie bag and refreshments at the finish area. There will be two starting times: the first group will be those age 10-13, followed by children age 6-9. Registration forms are available at Fleet Feet Sports, SportsCom, Patterson Community Center and Barfield Park Office. Online registration and more information may be found on the Kids Fun Run page at www.TheMiddleHalf.com.

"It is going to be so much fun and everyone is welcome….except for tortoises (due to their unfair advantage and secret ninja skills)," said Murph.

Middle Tennessee Medical Center is the presenting sponsor of the event. The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, Fleet Feet Sports, Middle Tennessee State University, Snapple, The Avenue, CB&S Bank, IdeasTees, Purity Dairies, State Farm, The WORX Group, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Emerson Heating Products, Jason's Deli, Daymar Institute and The Sleep Center  are major sponsors. The Daily News Journal, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, WGNS and HobNob Murfreesboro are media sponsors of the race. Special Kids, Inc., will be providing volunteers for Murph's Fun Run.

Spectators along the course are encouraged to cheer on the runners with signs and music. Admission is free to the MTSU Track and Soccer field where the runners will cross the finish line.

For more information, visit www.TheMiddleHalf.com.