Athletics: Prize Purse of $25,000 Announced for inaugural Cerrone Providence Half Marathon

The inaugural Cerrone Providence Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, September 26, will feature a cash award purse of $25,000 in overall, age group, team prizes and additional age group and special category awards. The USATF certified 13.1 mile course, run entirely within the city of Providence, starts at the State Capitol and finishes at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

"We are pleased to announce this prize structure, which compares with those of established half marathons in the nation and assures an international field of elite athletes will compete in Providence," said Gerry Beagan, race director. "Our intentions are to present a first-class, national class event that includes both elite runners and a large field of competitors of varied experience from first-timers through accomplished distance runners while treating every entrant equally."

Overall winners in the men's and women's division will be awarded $4,000 with $2,000 and $1,000 going to the next two finishers. Age group winners in the 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+, both men and women, will receive $1,000, $750, $500, and $250 respectively. Team awards will be based upon men's and women's teams of five members with the first three members finishing determining scoring. First team receives $2,000 with runner-up team earning $750 and third place team winning $250.

"While the overall competition for prize money is always exciting, the races within the race for age group and team prizes is certain to enhance the interest level of spectators," Beagan said. "We hope to have close finishes from top to bottom and to establish the Providence Half Marathon as one the most competitive in the nation."

Additional awards to the first three men and women finishers in age groups from 19 and under through 70+ ascertain increased competition throughout the field.

There will also be special awards for the first RI man and woman finisher, the first RI police officer, firefighter and state police officer and merchandise gift certificates to each 100th finisher.

"We are extremely excited to offer a prize purse that ensures a highly competitive field of outstanding international runners," said Al Cerrone of Cerrone Auto Group, of South Attleboro, MA. "But we are equally enthused by the overall quality of racing spectators will be able to enjoy. The loop course, with a start and finish downtown and a mid-race loop in the city center, provides a fan-friendly event which allows at least three chances to see the action and still be able to view the fantastic finish little more than an hour after the start."

All entrants will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt and all finishers will be awarded a unique Rhode Island silhouette medallion The weekend events begin with the Health and Fitness Expo, featuring Bill Rodgers, four time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons, on Saturday, September 25 from noon to 6pm at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The expo will include race registration, ChampionChip, t-shirt and race number pickup. There will also be display booths of health and fitness equipment, merchandise and services for runners and sports enthusiasts. The expo is free and open to the public.

Both the half marathon and the health and fitness expo are co-sponsored by the Providence Phoenix and WRX. For additional information and entry forms contact: Providence Half Marathon, PO Box 40718, Providence, RI 02940. Telephone: 401-885-4499. Fax: 401-885-3188. E-mail: :info@providencehalfmarathon.com Web Site: www.providencehalfmarathon.com .