…. at first, I thought they were talking about the RAPPER Rick Ross. I had to read this again…. RIP Ronnie…

Race Will Be Springboard for Newly-Formed “Finish Strong 5K Run/Walk” Created in Memory of Johnson

Capitol Records executive Ric Ross is determined to make his mark outside of the music industry and he’s doing it all on foot. The industry vet, who currently serves as Southeast/Field National Director of Urban Promotion for Capitol Records, has announced plans to run in the 2nd Annual ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, March 30.

Ross, who says he plans to run the full marathon (26.2 miles), is doing so in honor of his longtime friend and colleague, Ronnie Johnson, who died of a heart attack on December 30. Johnson, who served as Executive Vice President and head of Urban Music for Capitol Music Group, suffered from Arteritis, a condition that may have been caused by a congenital disorder known as Kawasaki Disease.

created the team they dubbed Like Ross, Johnson was an avid runner, having just completed the Jingle Jog 5K on December 15 with a finishing time of 34 minutes. Together, he and Ross“Finish Strong” for the ING Georgia Marathon. “This would have been Ronnie’s first marathon,” says Ross. “We both came up with the idea of starting our own race after he completed his first Peachtree Road Race last year. He raised over $50,000 for Emory University School of Medicine’s Adult Congenital Cardiac Program (ACCP). In remembrance of Ronnie, I decided to name our race after the name of our team ‘Finish Strong’.” To continue with Ronnie’s philanthropy and fundraising tradition, Ross is currently seeking and accepting pledges for every mile he runs: $1,000 for the first mile and $250 – $500 for each additional mile. Donations are also accepted.

The first annual Finish Strong 5K Run/ Walk will take place late summer 2008 in Atlanta. Proceeds will go to the Emory University School of Medicine for Adult Congenital Cardiac Program (ACCP), Ross’ 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, The Music Education Group and to the Finish Strong 5K Run/Walk. Pledges and donations can be made online at www.themeg.com or by sending a check or money order made payable to Music Education Group (in memo put Finish Strong 5k Run/Walk) to P.O. Box 44428, Atlanta, GA 30336. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information about donations and sponsorship of the race, contact Ross at 678-523-0452 or at [email protected] .