FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2011 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Frederick Running Festival
Set for May 7th
Event Moves to a Saturday and Drops Marathon Distance for First Time
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elkridge, Md. (October 29,2010)- Corrigan Sports Enterprises (CSE)
announced today that its annual CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Frederick
Running Festival will take place on Saturday, May 7th, 2011. Festival
events will include the half-marathon, a two-person team relay, a 5k race,
and the Kids Fun Run. This is the first year all Festival races will occur
on a Saturday, and the first time the marathon distance will not be
offered.
Lee Corrigan, President of CSE, said, "We had to make some tough decisions,
but we feel this will help grow the overall field size of the CareFirst
BlueCross BlueShield Frederick Running Festival. Consistent with the
national trend of the exploding growth of the half-marathon distance (13.1
miles), we believe the popularity of our half-marathon will attract more
runners to Frederick. Our decision to drop the full marathon distance in
2011 will enable us to deliver a better experience for every runner."
The event's half-marathon field size has grown 217% since CSE took over
operations just four years ago. Last year 3,065 runners registered for the
sold out half-marathon compared to 1,413 runners in 2007.
Planned improvements to the half-marathon include a higher quality runner
premium, a reformatted course, an increased cash purse and prizes and a
larger infield party at the Fairgrounds. Race start time will be determined
at a later date.
Corrigan concluded, "It is our goal to make this half-marathon the best of
its kind on the East Coast."
The primary decision for removing the marathon distance from the festival
formula was runner safety. Running along Rt. 144 presented some serious
challenges and risks, and no alternate route was feasible. Dropping the
marathon will also ease the burden placed on city, county and state
services and diminish traffic congestion by opening up major arteries to
the city.
The removal of the marathon will also mean the four-person team relay event
will now be converted to a two-person team event, with legs approximately
7.5 and 5.6 mile long. The 5k will also take place on Saturday and that
start time will be announced in the near future as well.
Race Director Rachel Ridgway said, "We decided to move the entire festival
to a Saturday because we will be allowed to have a later race start time,
and not interfere with Sunday morning church services."
Field size caps were set at 5,000 for the half-marathon, 500 teams for the
two-person relay, 1,000 for the 5k, and 500 for the Kids Fun Run. The
Health and Fitness Expo was expanded to two days to Friday and Saturday.
CSE will also host four race bib pickups throughout the
Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, but those sites and dates have not
been determined.
CSE will continue its popular Maryland Double promotion where runners who
participate in both the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Frederick Running
Festival and the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival receive a bonus
third finisher's medal. Runners who participate in the half marathon in
Frederick and the full marathon in Baltimore (Oct. 15th, 2011) will receive
a large Double medal, while runners who participate in the half marathon in
both festivals will earn a smaller Double medal.
Race officials do note the May 7th date is tentative until final approval
of the necessary permits.
###
|
