Posted: October 12, 2005

Athletics: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida to Sponsor Tropical 5K During ING Miami Marathon

5K Benefits Community Partnership For Homeless, Expected To Attract Over 2,000 International Runners

MIAMI (October 11, 2005) – The ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, one of the largest participant events in South Florida, has partnered with another major corporation to present the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Tropical 5K Benefiting Community Partnership for Homeless. The 5K/3.1 mile race, which premiered last year with more than 1,500 participants, is part of Miami’s Marathon Weekend. As title sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida are demonstrating its commitment to help South Floridians improve their health and well-being. More than 2,000 participants are expected for the 2nd Annual 5K race and 25,000 visitors will experience the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Health and Fitness Expo over the two days leading up to the marathon.

The 5K event launched last January with rave reviews and helped raise $250,000 for Community Partnership for Homeless. Runners are treated to a 3.1 mile preview of the marathon course, which crosses the scenic MacArthur Causeway and ends with a finish festival at the trendy beach side restaurant Nikki Beach. The event is ideal for participants that come from across the world to South Florida to participate in the marathon or half marathon. “With a major title sponsor, this race will reserve a spot in every runner’s calendar, as a warm-up for the marathon and as one of the top 5K’s in the region,” Race Director Robert Pozo said. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an exemplary organization that will enjoy a major presence during Marathon Weekend.”

The inaugural race was a star studded affair that included celebrity participants from Miami. Emilio Estefan joined musicians Jon Secada and Shalim with world famous artist Romero Britto. Local politicians included City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, both who have been major supporters of the races and the positive impact they have had on the health and well-being of the local communities. Organizers will continue to challenge political officials to compete in the 2006 event, along with other celebrities and local athletes in order to help raise funds for the Community Partnership for Homeless and to promote the importance of healthy lifestyles to the community.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Tropical 5K Benefiting Community Partnership for Homeless will take place on January 28, 2006 during ING Miami Marathon Race Weekend. Other events will run Jan. 27-29 2006, with a full schedule of events for beginning and expert runners, kids and the rest of the family. The 4th annual Miami Marathon Weekend will draw over 12,000 runners and walkers.

About PR Racing
PR Racing is a Miami based Health and Fitness Event Management Company devoted providing awareness to the community for improved and healthier lifestyles. As the producers of the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon and Escape to Miami Triathlon, PR Racing has established world class destination events that draw thousands of international participants to Miami-Dade County on an annual basis. PR Racing prides itself in creating opportunities for their own city and all of their neighbors to live healthier and happier through the production of fitness events.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
BCBSF is a leader in Florida’s health industry. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 7.1 million people. Since 1944 the company has been dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all those it serves by offering an array of choices. BCBSF is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., BCBSF is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, please see the company’s Web site at www.bcbsfl.com