Projo Running Blog

Race organizers of the upcoming CVS Caremark Downtown 5K, slated for Sept. 20, provide details about the race, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary:

From elite athletes to recreational runners and walkers, the 2009 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K offers something for everyone. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Rhode Island's largest road race will kick-off with youth races in the morning, followed by the main 5K race that will feature several elite and world-class runners, including Anthony Famigletti, who won last year's race after participating in the Beijing Olympics. The event will conclude with a High School Inspirational 3K for student athletes. The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K is scheduled for Sunday, September 20 in Downtown Providence.

"Every year, the number of people running or walking in the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K increases. That tradition continues as we hope to reach a record of 10,000 participants of all ages this year to celebrate the Downtown 5K's 20th anniversary," said Eileen Howard Dunn, CVS Caremark senior vice president of corporate communications and community relations. "From the country's most elite runners competing for a national title, to generations of families running together, the Downtown 5K attracts a wide range of participants. The growth of this event has helped the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K raise more than one million dollars for charity over the past nine years."

The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K includes 21 different races for children, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, including an All Kids Can Inspirational event for children with physical and intellectual disabilities; a 3K Inspirational event for high school runners; and the 5K event, which draws elite athletes competing for the US Track and Field 5K championship, as well as amateur runners competing as individuals or on college, corporate, police and firefighter teams. Walkers are also welcome to participate in the race.

"Since it started, the Downtown 5K has drawn athletes from across New England and around the world," said John Gregorek, winner of the first Downtown 5K 20 years ago, and currently a resident of Seekonk, Mass. Gregorek competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, the 1987 World Championship in Rome, as well as other international competitions. "I've since run in the Downtown 5K with my father-in-law, my wife and my children. It's truly a generational event and we always have a great time."

This year, the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K is pleased to welcome Tufts Health Plan as the new sponsor for the High School Inspirational 3K. Student athletes from all high schools in Rhode Island and southern New England are invited to form school running teams. All participating high schools that finish 25 participants from their school team will be eligible for one of ten random drawings of $500 to be used for the physical education and/or track programs at their respective schools. Tufts Health Plan has a national reputation for excellence built on its commitment to prevention and wellness support for its members. "It's an honor for Tufts Health Plan to support this race and the Rhode Island community," said Brian Pagliaro, senior vice president of sales and client services at Tufts Health Plan. "The High School Inspirational 3K is a great way to instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle."

New this year is a School Spirit costume contest for high school students, also sponsored by Tufts Health Plan. Judges will select the school team with the most creative costumes and award that team with new track uniforms (up to $750 value). All participants in the costume contest will receive a complimentary stopwatch.

The 2009 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K encourages both elite athletes and novice runners to participate in the event. Interested participants are advised to register as soon as possible as online registration closes on September 15. Advance race registration for individuals and teams, as well as course map and complete event information can be accessed at www.cvsdowntown5k.com.

Late registration and race packet pickup will be on the Rhode Island State House Lawn, Gaspee Street in Providence on Saturday, September 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday (race day), September 20, 7:15 to 10:45 a.m. The first 5,000 registrants for the 5K race will receive a gift bag. The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K will start and finish on Francis Street in front of the Rhode Island State House.

 Tags  CVS Caremark Downtown 5K

---