2012 Greenville News Run Downtown 5K Road Race Continues Time-honored Tradition
January 16, 2012
GREENVILLE, SC – January 21, 2012 – The Greenville News will host the annual Run Downtown, a 5K (3.1 mile) road race and fitness walk this Saturday, January 21. More than 2,000 people are expected to participate in the event that has taken place for the last 32 years.
The Greenville News is the title sponsor of the race, joined by presenting sponsors Greenville Track Club and City of Greenville. Other sponsors for the 2012 Greenville News Run Downtown include Academy Sports and Outdoors, Bi-Lo Charities, Chick-fil-A at Cherrydale Point, Coffee Underground, eMedia Group, PACE Running Magazine, go-greenevents.com, Clemson University College of Health, Education and Human Development, and Panera Bread.
“The Greenville News Run Downtown has become a Greenville tradition since its start in 1980, and we are pleased that it continues to be successful as more and more runners make it their first run of the year,” said Steve Brandt, publisher of The Greenville News. “We are grateful for the Greenville Track Club’s help in making this one of the premier 5Ks in the state.”
Race registration is $30 and can be purchased online until January 18 or on the day of the race for $35 (registration closes at 8:30 a.m.). The Run Downtown awards the top female and male in each race category, along with the top three males/females overall and male/female Masters and Grand Masters. Each will receive a print of Downtown Greenville created by local artist Lynn Greer. The race is a Greenville Track Club Corporate Shield race, and additional awards will be presented to those participants according to Corporate Shield Regulations.
The Run Downtown starts for runners at 9:00 a.m. and for walkers at 9:10 a.m. The course will start on Main Street in front of Soby’s Restaurant and travel south along Main Street, through various sections of downtown before ending at the 3.1 mile mark at the Main and Broad Street intersection in front of The Greenville News building.
“This 5k is one of the most popular races in the Upstate,” said Dorothy Self, special events and strategic partnership manager for The Greenville News. “Plus The Greenville News Run Downtown provides a unique experience and is an excellent way to promote healthy lifestyles as well as a fun family activity for the community.”
For the third year, the Run Downtown will offer the Kids’ Half-Mile Fun Run. Children ages 4-8 can register for free the day of the race, prior to 8:30 a.m., for the 0.5 mile run that will begin at 9:15 a.m. Families are welcome to support their children along the way, and all participants will receive an award ribbon.
Race packet pick-up will be on January 20 from 12 – 7 p.m. at Academy Sports and Outdoors on Woodruff Road. All participants will receive a technical t-shirt, running bib and timing chip. Race results will be available through The Greenville News online at www.greenvilleonline.com/running.
To pre-register and to see a map of the race course, visit www.greenvilleonline/rundowntown.
