Keep the Streak Alive at the CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race

New Hampshire’s largest road race
Ranked in the top 20 largest 5K road races in the country
One of largest 5K road races in New England
Many years, one of largest timed road races of any length in the country

HOOKSETT, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Since the first race in 1993, the CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race has held the distinction as the largest road race in New Hampshire history. It is also the fastest 5K, with the only sub-fourteen minute run achieved by Alene Reta (13:53) in the 2009 race. Help the race keep this distinction and test your skills against elite runners from all over the world by joining nearly 6,000 elite andrecreational runners, wheelchair racers, walkers, families and corporate team members at the 18^th running of this fun and exciting event.

The race takes place in downtown Manchester, N.H. on Thursday, August 12at 6:20 p.m. and has something for everyone. It’s a fast USATF course for elite athletes who come from all over the world. But, more importantly, it’s a fun event for individuals, corporate teams and families. Since its inception, the CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K has consistently ranked in the top 20 largest 5K road races in the country according to Running USA. In some years the race has ranked among the 100 largest timed road races of any length in the country.

Over the past 17 years, several hundred thousand dollars have been contributed to New Hampshire charities in the name of the participants. This year’s race beneficiary is The Elliot at River’s Edge, a new facility being built to improve access to health care for area residents.

“As a celebration of health and fitness the race is a great way to get started on your personal road to fitness. What could be more rewarding than starting a walking or running program by setting a goal to finish the race,” said Don Curry, president of CIGNA HealthCare in New England. “Many companies have found the race a great way to start a corporate fitness program as well.”

Once again, CIGNA and Elliot Health System would like to hear how individual or corporate participants have achieved their fitness goals. Stories on achieving fitness goals, hurdles that have been overcome to adopt a healthier lifestyle, or ways that corporate teams have come together to improve health may be sent to Lindsay Shearer at [email protected].

"Elliot is proud to join CIGNA in presenting the road race because it is a unique day with health, wellness and fitness at its core," said Doug Dean, President and CEO of Elliot Health System. "Seeing thousands of individuals come out to show spirit for their corporate team while achieving individual fitness goals is inspiring and truly exciting to see!"

Corporate teams of five or more employees have until July 22 to finalize their team registration. Corporate cups are awarded for the teams with the most participation and highest percentage of official finishers in three categories: small, medium and large teams. In addition, there are awards for fastest female, male, and co-ed corporate teams.

To receive the $20 discounted registration, online individual pre-registration must be entered by midnight, August 9. Registrations by mail must also be postmarked by that date. Individuals may also register for $25 on race day from noon until 6:00 p.m. in Veterans Park. Everyone receives a branded race T-shirt and those who complete the course receive a commemorative finishers’ award. Cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000 are awarded in various categories.

New this year is the ChronoTrack B-Tag timing system, the latest technology in race timing. The tag comes already assembled on the official bib number. The B-Tag is disposable and can be discarded with the bib after the race.

Jamie Staton, sports director at WMUR-TV is the race announcer at the starting line and master of ceremonies for the awards presentation in Veterans Park immediately following the race. Sponsors who help make the race possible include WMUR-TV, 96.5 The MILL, Jillian’s, Coca-Cola, Rockingham Ambulance, Stonyfield Farms, and Waste Management. “Special thanks to The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce for their assistance,” added Curry.

Participants may register by clicking on the race name in the lower left hand corner at www.elliothospital.org. The Web site includes details about the race, including photos from previous years. Additional information may be obtained by calling the road race hotline at 800.554.1664.

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well being and sense of security. CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 46 million people throughout the United States and around the world. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com. To sign up for email alerts or an RSS feed of company news, log on to http://newsroom.cigna.com/rss/. Also, follow us on Twitter at @cigna, visit CIGNA’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/cignatv and listen to CIGNA's podcast series with healthy tips and information at http://www.cigna.com/podcasts or by searching "CIGNA" in iTunes.

About Elliot Health System

Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890. The largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Southern New Hampshire, Elliot Hospital, a 296-bed acute care facility and the first community hospital in the state, serves as the cornerstone of the health system. Elliot is home to Manchester’s designated Regional Trauma Center, Elliot Breast Health Center, Elliot Urgent Care, a Level 3 Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Elliot Physician Network, Elliot Regional Cancer Center, the Elliot Senior Health Center, Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern New Hampshire, and Elliot 1-Day Surgery Center. For more information on any of Elliot’s services, call Elliot On-Call at 663-4567 or visit www.elliothospital.org.