COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew and Run Wild Racing today announced that the first annual Columbus Crew 5K will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. The event will offer a number of unique features, including a free Crew ticket with each paid registration, a course that takes finishers through the Crew players' tunnel and onto the Crew Stadium field and a live awards ceremony at the Crew's game that evening.
"We are pleased to introduce this compelling new event to our community," said Crew General Manager Mark McCullers. "There is obviously a strong link between soccer, running and promoting healthy lifestyles, making this is a natural fit."
Every person who registers will receive a ticket to the Crew's game against the Chicago Fire later in the evening on Sept. 8, as well as a high-quality running shirt.
Columbus Crew players, Crewzers professional dancers and mascot Crew Cat will cheer on finishers as they cross the finish line on the field. Adding to the exciting finish, participants will also have their names broadcast by an official Crew public address announcer, with their image displayed on the giant screen in the stadium.
Awards including VIP Terrace tickets and team autographed merchandise will be given to the top three male and female finishers as well as the top three finishers in each of nine age categories and a walker division.
"This is one of the most exciting events we've had the honor of presenting to the central Ohio community," said Doug Grout, Run Wild Racing president. "To not only start and end at Crew Stadium but to have finishers run through the same tunnel the players use and out onto the field makes this event not only unique but incredibly thrilling."
The run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Columbus Crew Stadium, located at One Black & Gold Blvd. in Columbus, Ohio. Interested runners and walkers can visit www.runwildracing.com to register for the event. Pre-registration is $25 before Sept. 1 and $30 after Sept 1. Race day registration will be available and the cost is $35.
About Run Wild Racing
Founded in 2004, Run Wild Racing is a premier race management, chip timing and promotions organization based in Columbus, Ohio. Run Wild Racing is dedicated to managing, timing and promoting high-quality running, walking and multi-sport events. Run Wild's overall mission is to contribute to the community by promoting running, jogging and walking for the benefit of all; for fitness, fun, safety and overall good health. Run Wild Racing provides professional services related to all aspects of racing, including course certification, chip timing, computer scoring, event promotion and management.
