Providing a perfect example of how a highly competitive road race can also play a role in fundraising for worthy causes, organizers of the CVS Caremark Downtown 5-K announced late last week that their event had raised $225,000 for area schools and organizations. More than 50 organizations were awarded funds in what organizers said was their best-ever year of fundraising, and the race went over the $1,000,000 mark for lift-to-date fundraising.
"We are pleased to be delivering such great news this year, especially given the difficult economic climate," said Larry Merlo, executive vice president of CVS Caremark Corporation and president of CVS/pharmacy in a prepared statement. "Through the success of the 2008 CVS Caremark Downtown 5-K we have helped numerous nonprofit organizations fulfill their important missions and schools to sustain important athletic and physical education programs."
The race, which hosted the USA Men's and Women's 5-K Road Running Championships, benefited organizations from the All Children's Theatre to Exeter/West Greenwich Sports for Kids to the Perkins School for the Blind. Area schools received grants to promote physical activity amongst children.
The race was also extremely competitive. Twenty-four men broke 15 minutes behind overall champion Anthony Famiglietti. Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan won the women's title, leading 20 women under 17 minutes.
The 2009 edition of the race is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
