Annual Venus de Miles Ride and Run Hits the Road July 25

Boulder, Colo., June 19, 2015—Venus de Miles, the all-women’s non-competitive road ride in support of Greenhouse Scholars returns to Lake Forest, Illinois on July 25, this year welcoming runners with the addition of a 5K run/walk.

Women of all skill levels are invited to participate in the event, which offers 25- and 62-mile rides and the new 5K run/walk through the beautiful community of Lake Forest on the shores of Lake Michigan. At aid stations along the course volunteers provide delicious food, drink, and support to keep participants energized; the finish line celebration features lunch, cocktails, spa services, entertainment, and more. Most of all, participants can meet and engage with Greenhouse Scholars, the high-performing college students from low-income backgrounds who are the beneficiaries of the event.

Venus de Miles began in 2008 when a group of Greenhouse Scholars staffers decided to create a unique fundraising event in Colorado just for women – with all the perks women would appreciate. A Lake Forest event was added in 2012, when Greenhouse Scholars expanded to Illinois. An unforgettable day of fun and fitness in support of outstanding young people, the event continues to grow as women recruit family and friends to join in.

“Venus de Miles is a meaningful and important day for our organization each year,” said Andra Pool, chief operating officer, Greenhouse Scholars. “It’s a powerful celebration of sisterhood, camaraderie, and an inspiring display of support for the incredible Scholars in our program. We’re particularly excited to expand the event this year to include the 5k run/walk as we aim to welcome women of all athletic abilities and interests to join us.”

Support Greenhouse Scholars

Fundraising is not required to participate; however, as Venus de Miles is the largest annual fundraiser for the organization it is encouraged and appreciated. Participants may fundraise individually or form teams - 100 percent of event proceeds benefit Greenhouse Scholars. More details on fundraising may be found here: http://www.venusdemiles.com/fundraising/

Venus de Miles is made possible by the support of many local and national businesses. 2015 sponsors include: Bianchi, Bicycling Magazine, LUNA bar, Athleta, Whole Foods Market, North Shore Distillery, and Goose Island Beer Company. Several additional companies are generously supporting the event through in-kind donations.

How to Get Involved:

Register to participate in the ride or run: http://bit.ly/registervenusIL
Become a volunteer: http://bit.ly/volunteervenusIL
Join the Men in Drag support crew: http://bit.ly/menindrag
Sponsor the event: http://bit.ly/sponsorvenus

About Venus de Miles

Venus de Miles is an all-women’s, non-competitive athletic event welcoming women of all ages and abilities. Held in Colorado since 2008 and Illinois since 2012, participants choose from ride course options of varying lengths and, new in 2015, the Illinois event also includes a 5K run/walk. Known for providing an exceptional experience, participants are treated to great support on and off the course. Venus de Miles is organized by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, a non-profit education organization that serves exceptional college students from low-income communities in Colorado, Illinois, and Georgia. www.venusdemiles.com

About Greenhouse Scholars

Greenhouse Scholars, a non-profit organization founded in 2005, serves low-income college students who are exceptionally high performing. Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, service to community, demonstrated leadership skills, and financial need. Through its "Whole Person" approach of intellectual, academic, professional, and financial support Greenhouse Scholars is changing the trajectories of the Scholars and their families, and low-income communities locally and across the globe. To date, Greenhouse Scholars has served nearly 180 students in Colorado, Illinois, and Georgia. www.greenhousescholars.org