FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anthem Announced as New Title Sponsor of Richmond Marathon
New riverfront finish along Brown's Island expands the post-race festival;
Kids Run RVA announced as new event charity partner
RICHMOND, VA – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has inked a deal to be the
new title sponsor of the Anthem Richmond Marathon, set for November 10, the
Sports Backers announced today. For the past 14 years, the event has been
known as the SunTrust Richmond Marathon. This year marks the 35th
anniversary of the race.
"Anthem is proud to partner with the Sports Backers on the Richmond
Marathon," said C. Burke King, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue
Shield. "By supporting events that promote a healthy lifestyle we can help
achieve our goal as a company in Virginia--and that is to improve the lives
of the people we serve and the health of our communities."
In addition to a new title sponsor, the 26.2-mile course also has a new
riverfront finish line at the intersection of 5th Street and Tredegar
Street. The course now turns right onto 5th Street from Cary Street, still
culminating with a participant-pleasing downhill finish. Brown's Island
will be the new site of the Post Race Festival, which was previously
located at the James Center.
"By moving the finish line to the Brown's Island, we're able to draw more
attention to one of Richmond's most beautiful and unique features, the
James River," said Jon Lugbill, executive director of the Sports Backers.
"Brown's Island also allows us to expand the size and scope of our Post
Race Festival as we continue to enhance the features that help make us
‘America's Friendliest Marathon.'"
The Sports Backers also announced today the new charity partner of the
Anthem Richmond Marathon: Kids Run RVA. All funds donated to Kids Run RVA
will help the organization's efforts to expand youth running in Richmond.
Many of these efforts will be collaborative programs and events in schools
encouraging children to be physically active.
Registration for the Anthem Richmond Marathon, half marathon, and 8k are
currently open. The Sports Backers are offering a special $75 marathon
entry fee and a $65 half marathon entry fee through March 31. Prices for
both races will increase April 1. More information and online registration
can be found at www.richmondmarathon.org.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia
Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue
Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the
City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliated HMO HealthKeepers,
Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The
Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem
Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com.
Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.
About Sports Backers
Named best sports commission in the country three times, the Sports Backers
own, manage or partner with 40 different sporting events in the Richmond
region that help drive over $50 million in economic impact. These events
and programs strengthen the local economy, provide health benefits to
participants and make the region a more active place to live.
www.sportsbackers.org.
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