CVS Caremark to host 20th annual 5K

WOONSOCKET, R.I. The 2009 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K to be held in downtown Providence on Sept. 20 is expected to have a record turnout for its 20th anniversary.

"Every year, the number of people running or walking in the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K increases. That tradition continues as we hope to reach a record of 10,000 participants of all ages this year to celebrate the Downtown 5K's 20th anniversary," stated Eileen Howard Dunn, CVS Caremark SVP corporate communications and community relations. "From the country's most elite runners competing for a national title, to generations of families running together, the Downtown 5K attracts a wide range of participants. The growth of this event has helped the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K raise more than $1 million for charity over the past nine years."

The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K includes 21 different races for children, prekindergarten through eighth grade, including an All Kids Can Inspirational event for children with physical and intellectual disabilities; a 3K Inspirational event for high school runners; and the 5K event, which draws elite athletes competing for the U.S. Track and Field 5K championship, as well as amateur runners competing as individuals or on college, corporate, police and firefighter teams.

This year, the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K is welcoming Tufts Health Plan as the new sponsor for the High School Inspirational 3K. Also new this year is a School Spirit costume contest for high school students, also sponsored by Tufts Health Plan. Judges will select the school team with the most creative costumes and award that team with new track uniforms (up to $750 value). All participants in the costume contest will receive a complimentary stopwatch.