ZAP Fitness seeking athletes for the next four-year training period

Blowing Rock, NC - ZAP Fitness, a non-profit post-collegiate developmental center in the mountains of Western North Carolina, announced Wednesday it is currently interviewing athletes for the next four-year training period.

According to ZAP Fitness Founder and President Zika Palmer, the facility is looking for three to four athletes to complement its current core of five resident athletes. "Ideally," said Palmer, "We are looking for one to two more female athletes in events 1,500 meters and up and two to three more men who focus on the 5K, 10K, and marathon." Athletes accepted into the ZAP program receive room, board, health insurance, a monthly living stipend, gear, travel expenses, and coaching. Current athletes in the resident program include 2003 U.S. World Cross Country team members Karl Savage and Dan Wilson, 2004 World Cross team member Ian Connor, as well as 5K/10K runners Joe Driscoll and Baylor graduate Debbie Thornhill.

Athletes interested in ZAP's residential program must meet ZAP's elite athlete requirements, all of which can be found on their Web site. Direct all inquiries to Zika Palmer at zikajanes@aol.com.