FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nearly 6,000 to Compete in Fifth Annual
Cox Providence Rhode Races This Weekend
Biggest Loser Mark Kruger Among Those to Compete
in Cox Sports Marathon, May 6 in Providence
Providence, RI - Nearly 6,000 runners are expected to converge in
Providence, May 5-6 to take part in the 2012 Cox Providence Rhode Races.
This weekend long-event features the Cox Sports Marathon, UnitedHealthcare
Providence Half Marathon, 5K and kids' race.
"The city of Providence is pleased and honored to host the fifth annual Cox
Providence Rhode Races," said Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. "Runners who
are coming from near and far are sure to enjoy the course, the spirited
competition and time well-spent in our state's incredible Capital City."
The fifth annual Cox Providence Rhode Races kicks off on Saturday, May 5 at
Roger Williams Park with the kids' race at 4:15 p.m. The 5K follows at 5
p.m.
Cox Providence Rhode Races weekend continues on Sunday, May 6 in Downtown
Providence. Runners, ranging in age from 13-78 years-old, are coming from
as far away as Brazil, Canada and the United Kingdom to compete in the Cox
Sports Marathon and UnitedHealthcare Providence Half Marathon. Both races
showcase Providence and its surrounding communities.
The highlight of the weekend is the Cox Sports Marathon. A 2013 Boston
Marathon qualifier, the Cox Sports Marathon runs through the capital city
and scenic East Bay. A $5,000 prize purse has been added to this year's
Cox Sports Marathon. The top three male and female finishers in the 2012
Cox Sports Marathon will receive a cash prize. Elite runners vying for
prize money include Kenya's Solomon Too, the winner of the 2011 Hartford
Marathon and former Providence College standout Patrick Moulton.
The 26.2 mile race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. on Exchange Terrace, next to
Burnside Park (adjacent to Kennedy Plaza) in Downtown Providence. The
course will wind through downtown and head out to the East Side. Runners
will continue to Gano Street, past India Point Park, over the Henderson
Bridge and continue on to the East Bay Bike Path. The course continues
through Barrington to the YMCA. Runners then head back towards Providence
and then continue over the Washington Bridge back through India Point Park
towards the Capital City. The marathon concludes on Exchange Terrace in
Downtown Providence.
The UnitedHealthcare Providence Half Marathon begins at 8 a.m. on Exchange
Terrace. Full course descriptions of all races are located at
www.coxrhoderaces.com.
Among the notable participants include:
"Biggest Loser" Mark Kruger - Season 5 "Biggest Loser" contestant Mark
Kruger will participate in the Cox Providence Rhode Races on Sunday. Mark
lost 129 pounds when he participated on the NBC show in 2008. Mark has
maintained his weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise. Mark, who
ran over 2200 miles in 2011, has trained eight people who will run their
first half marathon at Rhode Races.
Dreamfar High School Marathon Team - The first high school marathon team in
New England, Dreamfar will bring 120 members to Providence on Sunday to
compete in the Cox Providence Rhode Races. The program trains at-risk high
school students to run a marathon. The program focuses on teamwork, goal
setting and living a healthy lifestyle. Dreamfar, which started with 8
students in the program four years ago, has a 97 percent success rate. This
will mark the fourth straight year Dreamfar will participate in Rhode
Races. Dreamfar recently partnered with Hope High School to create the
first Rhode Island team. Led by Hope's John Gallo, several teachers are
running today and will have a Dreamfar Providence team participate in the
2013 Cox Rhode Races.
Team See Joe Run- Newport's Joe Caruso was diagnosed with stage four lung
cancer two years ago. Since his diagnosis, between rounds of treatment and
spending time taking care of his wife and three young boys, Joe has been
participating in road races, swimming, triathlons and showing others how to
make the most out of every moment. In support of Joe, more than 25 of is
friends are running as part of Team See Joe Run. Funds raised from their
efforts will be used for childcare, camps and activities for Joe's three
sons.
Kate Conklin - Kate suffers from Erythromelalgia, a disease commonly
referred to as "Feet on Fire." Kate is unable to wear sneakers and will
wear sandals while running Sunday's Cox Sports Marathon.
There is still time to register for the Cox Providence Rhode Races. Runners
can register at the Health and Wellness Expo at the RI Convention Center,
Friday, May 4, 1-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. On race day,
Sunday, May 6, registration will be open from 6:00- 7:30 a.m. at the RI
Convention Center.
Cox Communications is the Title sponsor of the Cox Providence Rhode Races.
Charitable partners include Cox Charities New England, The Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society Team in Training, March of Dimes, Lung Cancer Alliance,
Melanoma Foundation and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ocean State.
About Eident Sports Marketing
Eident Sports is a full-service event management and sports marketing
company based in Providence, Rhode Island. Eident has several properties in
the region, ranging from turn-key sporting events to sponsorship sales
alliances with key partners. For more information on Eident's events and
offerings, please visit www.eidentsports.com
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