When TeamFootWorks asked participants of its Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series what they wanted to see changed for future races, the response was unanimous — electronic timing.
In an effort to produce accurate results and provide participants with their complete race ranking, TeamFootWorks is announcing that, for the first time since the race’s inception in 1985, all participants in the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series will be chipped. In addition, the top male and top female finishers at each race also will be rewarded as part of the new Pearl Izumi Elite Running Division.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series,” said Laurie Huseby, race director. “By incorporating the electronic timing chips, we are excited to provide all participants with an accurate time, as well as providing them with a listing of the rankings on our website, www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com.”
TeamFootWorks and Pearl Izumi also are incorporating the new Elite Division, which was debuted at the Corporate Run in Miami in 2010, into both of the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach races. The Pearl Izumi Elite Division will be made up of male runners who can complete a 5K in less than 19 minutes and female runners who can complete a 5K in less than 20 minutes.
Elite individuals will be able to enter and compete for prize money in all three cities. Runners will vie for a piece of the $5,400 prize purse which will be distributed among the top three male finishers and the top three female finishers at the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach runs, while the top five male and top five female finishers will be rewarded in Miami.
Although being a member of a corporate team is not required, elite runners are encouraged to welcome their co-workers to join them at the race, keeping in mind the goal of the Corporate Run is to promote health and fitness at all levels and provide a venue to boost company morale and encourage camaraderie in the workplace.
With more than 25,000 runners and walkers from hundreds of companies expected to participate in the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series, the race continues to grow. The 5K series began in Fort Lauderdale on Mar. 24, continues in West Palm Beach on Apr. 13, and concludes in Miami on Apr. 28. For the second year in a row, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the South Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross.
With a special competition that awards the overall men’s, women’s and co-ed teams in 20 different industries, the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run, a 5K (3.1-mile) Run Walk, attracts more than 800 South Florida companies and is open to employees of businesses, corporations, government agencies, financial institutions and non-profits-no matter how big or small. All companies are encouraged to participate and may enter an unlimited number of employees to walk or run as a group.
Sponsors of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run series include: Mercedes-Benz of South Florida, American Airlines, Baptist Health, Aetna, BB&T, Sports Authority, Club Med, Miami-Dade County, Miami DDA and more.
For registration information or to reserve a registration packet, contact TeamFootWorks at 305-666-RACE (7223) or visit www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com or www.teamfootworks.org.
