Thursday, February 2, 2012

PLANS IN THE WORKS FOR INAUGURAL BELMONT STAKES BLUE RIBBON 5 KILOMETER RUN FOR PROSTATE CANCER

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Long Island Running Club and Integrated Medical Foundation are joining forces to stage the inaugural Belmont Stakes Blue Ribbon 5 Kilometer Run for Prostate Cancer. The Run will be held on Sunday evening, June 3, 2012 at Belmont Park, with NYRA’s Sam Grossman “Sam the Bugler” calling everyone to the post at 7:15 PM.


The runners and walkers will traverse a USA Track & Field certified 5 Kilometer course entirely within the grounds of Belmont Park, leading up to an exciting finish at the finish line on the race track.


The Run will be a prelude to the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes six days later, and every entrant will receive a top quality technical “tank top” to commemorate the occasion. “Win, place and show” awards will be presented to the top male and female overall and masters finishers, as well as the top men and women finishers in each of 17 age groups from 12 and under through 85 plus.


The entire net proceeds will go to benefit the Integrated Medical Foundation (“Working together for Better Men’s Health and to fight prostate cancer”), and its mission to promote awareness and early detection of prostate cancer.


“The Belmont Stakes is Thoroughbred racing’s premiere race which is the true test of a champion,” observed Joanne K. Adams, NYRA’s Director of Community Relations. “The new Belmont Stakes Blue Ribbon Run promises to be one of the most exciting 5K Runs in the United States! This will be a real test for all of the champion runners as they make their way onto the dirt track at Belmont Park.”


Integrated Medical Foundation Executive Director Rhonda Samuel was equally enthusiastic about the event, and how it will be a crowning moment for prostate cancer awareness and early detection. “Early detection saves lives! We are thrilled to be staging this exciting inaugural event at Belmont Park, and we are hopeful that it will help us reach our goal of raising funds to fight prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, and screenings.”


Sponsorship opportunities are still available at every level. This is an unmatched opportunity to help play a major role in the fight against prostate cancer at the same time as your company will get the kind of publicity that a unique event like the Belmont Stakes Blue Ribbon 5K will engender. Call Rhonda Samuel at (631) 247-0100 for more information.


Mark your calendar now for Sunday evening, June 3rd. Applications will be available and online registration will be open in early March. Call the Greater Long Island Running Club at (516)349-7646 for more information or go to www.glirc.org.