Posted: May 15, 2006

Athletics: CIGNA Becomes Principal Sponsor of Falmouth Road Race

Sponsorship Unites Leading Employee-Benefits Company and Top-Rated Running Event

FALMOUTH, Mass. - Organizers of the Falmouth Road Race have announced that CIGNA will be the principal sponsor of the 34th annual Falmouth Road Race to be held on Sunday, August 13, 2006. CIGNA Group Insurance, which includes Disability, Life and Accident Insurance, and CIGNA Dental will provide important financial support as the race looks forward to another successful event in August.

In announcing the sponsorship, CIGNA Group and Dental Insurance President Karen S. Rohan said, "We are excited at the opportunity to be the principal sponsor of the Falmouth Road Race. It is nationally renowned for offering a first-class running weekend for recreational runners and elite competitors alike. As a company that cares about the health and wellness of our members, it's a great match for us to sponsor this outstanding road race."

The addition of CIGNA as principal sponsor will enable race officials to continue to attract a world-class field of U.S. and international runners, including a prize purse for the top American finishers.

Race co-director Lucia Carroll said, "With their thirteen-year tradition of presenting the very successful CIGNA HealthCare Corporate 5K Road Race in Manchester, NH, CIGNA understands road races and runners, so they are a natural partner for this event. Their support ensures that the Falmouth Road Race will maintain its high standing in the sport. And, with both races only three days apart, runners who come from around the world can easily participate in two high quality races sponsored by CIGNA."

The Falmouth Road Race is one of the top-rated events on the international circuit and annually attracts a world-class field, racing seven scenic miles from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights. In all, almost 10,000 recreational runners mix with the world's best, with an estimated 50,000 fans lining the course, making this one of the top sporting attractions in New England and a centerpiece of summer on Cape Cod.

Last year's champions were Lornah Kiplagat of The Netherlands and Gilbert Okari of Kenya. Kiplagat holds the Falmouth course record of 35:02 set in 2000. 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Deena Kastor of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., was third in last year's race. Okari is the men's course record holder, set last year in 31:08. Past Falmouth winners in the men's division have included Olympians Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Craig Virgin, Rod Dixon and Alberto Salazar. Women champions have included U.S. Olympic medalists Joan Benoit Samuelson and Lynn Jennings, Grete Waitz of Norway and South African Olympian Colleen De Reuck.

More race information at: FalmouthRoadRace.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.

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