Projo Running Blog

An update on the Cox Providence Rhode Races from Cox Communications and Eident Sports Marketing:

Running Legends Rodgers, Smith Participate in Cox Providence Rhode Races Weekend

Rodgers & Smith, winners of six Boston Marathons, will be the Featured Speakers at the Pasta Dinner on Saturday, May 3

Providence, RI – Legendary runners Bill Rodgers and Geoff Smith will be on hand at the inaugural Cox Providence Rhode Races, May 3-4, 2008.

Rodgers and Smith, who combined have won six Boston Marathons, will be the keynote speakers at the pasta dinner on Saturday, May 3 at Johnson & Wales’ Snowden Hall, 32 Page St., Providence. The dinner is a prelude to the Cox Providence Rhode Races, which debuts Sunday, May 4. This inaugural event features the Cox Sports Marathon, Willow Tree Half Marathon and New Balance 5k.

“Bill Rodgers' and Geoff Smith's support of the Cox Providence Rhode Races speaks volumes of the level of racing that will be on hand May 4," said Paul Cronin, senior vice president and general manager, Cox Communications. "As we approach race day, the momentum and excitement continues to rise with the caliber of participants in this inaugural event.”

Rodgers is the only four-time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons. Rodgers, who won 22 marathons during his running career, twice broke the American record at the Boston Marathon. He set a record in 2:09:58 in 1975 and four years later, broke his own mark and set a new American record in the process with a finish of 2:09:27.

Rodgers is excited to be part of the Cox Providence Rhode Race as it makes it debuts next month. The famed marathon runner noted Rhode Island has a rich tradition of producing top runners including Les Pawson (three-time Boston Marathon champion), Ellison “Tarzan” Brown (two-time Boston winner) and the late Bobby Doyle (six-time Ocean State Marathon champion).

“The Cox Providence Rhode Races is playing a key role in Rhode Island,” said Rodgers. “This new event builds on Rhode Island’s longstanding tradition of having a top level marathon that contributes to New England’s heritage as the birthplace of American Marathoning. It’s going to be a great event.”

Joining Rodgers at the pasta dinner will be two-time Boston Marathon winner, Geoff Smith. Smith will also compete in the New Balance 5k the following day.

“I am delighted to be involved in the inaugural Cox Providence Rhode Races,” said Smith. “It is only right that Rhode Island have its own major marathon. I know it will be a world class event to showcase a world class city and state.”

The famed runner is a two-time winner of the Boston Marathon and a two-time Olympian. Smith recorded his best marathon finish when he sprinted to the finish line in 2:09:08 at the 1983 New York City Marathon, finishing behind winner Rod Dixon by a mere nine seconds.

As a senior at Providence College, Smith won the 1984 Boston Marathon in 2:10:34 – more than four minutes ahead of the next competitor. Another notable performance occurred in Wales, England when Smith ran a mile in 3:55.

Limited tickets remain for the pasta dinner. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online at: www.coxrhoderaces.com.

---

---