Paramount Classics' promotional online site 'The Kite Runner Club' (http://www.kiterunnermovie.com), in support of their upcoming film, THE KITE RUNNER, has become a phenomenon with over 14,000 people participating and over 1,000 groups formed.

The Kite Runner Club is host to 1,162 groups organized by Kite Club Captains whose challenge is to encourage as many members to join their group and create activity within the site by posting messages and initiating discussions during the final phase of the contest. Tiers of prizes are determined by activity within membership groups from 20 to over 200 fans. Members with the most activity can win exclusive Kite Runner lapel pins, limited edition leather bookmarks and a chance to hold their own advanced screening of the film. The First Place prize will go to the Kite Club Captain of a group with the most activity that exceeds 200 members, which includes a star-studded trip to the film's premiere event in Hollywood. The Grand Prize Kite Club Captain will win a trip to San Francisco with a guest and enjoy a private sit-down meal with author Khaled Hosseini. Currently 14,120 members of the Kite Runner club are contending for all prizes. The contest ends November 15.

Author Khaled Hosseini reflected on the site's blog, "The Kite Runner was published in mid-2003 without much fanfare and without the benefit of a huge marketing plan. However, this book has connected now with millions of people around the world. To me, that is a testament to the power of the word-of-mouth phenomenon."