Children's Miracle Network Torch Relay is coming to Columbus for the first time on Saturday, October 27, 2007 and The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel is teaming up as a local champion for the Columbus event.

Marriott International is a proud sponsor for this nationwide event, and this year, The Columbus Hotel has chosen to partner with Children's Miracle Network for the local leg of the relay. Area residents will join a team of more than 3,000 nationwide participants today as part of the third-annual, coast-to-coast Torch Relay for Children's Miracle Network.

The goal of the nationwide relay is to raise more than $1.25 million for Children's Miracle Network hospitals throughout the country. Walking alongside family members, business associates and friends, participants will set out this afternoon to raise funds for one of 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals in North America that annually treat 17 million children with life-threatening illnesses.

The walk will culminate at the relay's traveling "Miracle Village" which gives participants and community members the opportunity to experience the outstanding daily work that takes place at one of the Children's Miracle Network hospitals nationwide.

With "Miles for Miracles" being this year's motto, the CMN Torch Relay is a 24-day event which spans over 6,600 miles. Starting in Chicago, Illinois and eventually ending up in Los Angeles, California, Columbus is the second stop in the relay. As in the past, all funds raised will remain local, benefiting Children's Hospitals in the communities where the funds were donated.

The Columbus is partnering with Children's Miracle Network as a local champion for the event, Along with the The Columbus, there are three ways to join this cause-worthy event:

• Become a relay participant.
• Donate to an event participant.
• Become a corporate sponsor.

After the relay spent running, biking or walking through the city, spend the evening in a distinctive and relaxing hotel in Columbus, OH. Wind down at Bar 41 which functions as a cyber café by day and a chic hot-spot by night, then feast at the sumptuous downtown Columbus restaurant, Latitude 41 that's known for modern American cuisine made with the finest natural, fresh and local ingredients combined and prepared to create vibrant culinary masterpieces.

With recently renovated guest rooms and suites and new bedding highlighted by plush down pillows and lux duvet covers, the hotel's accommodations are second to none. Complete with stunning views of downtown Columbus, one night's stay at this amazing hotel, will refresh and inspire for another action-packed day in the city.

About The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel:
Discover a luxurious downtown Columbus, Ohio hotel fresh from a dramatic $15 million renovation. Take pleasure in this masterpiece of design and distinction with dazzling contemporary flair, artfully contrasted by colorful local flavor. Situated in the heart of Ohio's capital city, this stylish downtown Columbus hotel is located near Nationwide Arena, COSI, Convention Center, City Center Mall, as well as popular museums, theaters, and attractions.

Enjoy the comfortable, yet sophisticated Latitude 41 Restaurant that celebrates traditional flavors with a new world style, while Bar 41 serves signature cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in a leisurely swim in the seasonal rooftop swimming pool, complete with a fabulous city view. Boasting 22,500 sq ft of indoor and 11,000 sq ft of outdoor meeting and event space, this elegant Columbus, OH hotel enriches corporate and social gatherings with distinct, innovative surroundings. Experience the joy of discovery at The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel. For more information or to make a reservation call 614-228-5050 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cmhbr-the-columbus-a-renaissance-hotel/