Zer0K Added to 2013 Securian Winter Run

St. Paul, MN (PRWEB) January 16, 2013

The half marathon, 10K and 5K are the crown jewels of the Securian Winter Run. A fourth race has been added, making the event a Grand Slam.

Welcome to the Saint Paul Saints Zer0K, an event where everyone has a shot at winning! This prestigious and unique competition was created by the Saints in 2012. Saturday, January 26 it will take place on the site of the new Lowertown Ballpark on Broadway in downtown St. Paul during the Securian Winter Run.

Here’s how it works: Donated couches will be lined up on the ballpark site which also happens to be on the Securian course. Promptly at 9:00 a.m., in careful synchronization with the start of the half marathon a few blocks away at Jackson and Sixth, the starter will fire the water pistol to launch the Zer0K. Participants will sit on the couches, feeling competitive. When Securian Winter Runners trot by, the couch potatoes will issue forth with shouts of encouragement, hooting, hollering and, possibly, whistling.

The participant who shows calm under pressure at the start line, looks most relaxed while sitting on a couch and exemplifies great sportsmanship by cheering for actual runners will be declared winner of the Zer0K. That person will receive an amazing – if not remarkable – CouchPotato/Zer0K prize pack from the St. Paul Saints.

World’s Coolest Sockball Throwing Contest
The Saints also will set up their inflatable speed pitch and radar gun at the Lowertown ballpark site. For only $1, put your throwing arm to a unique test: See how you fast you can throw a pair of socks wadded into a shape resembling a ball. (Traditionalists will be allowed to throw baseballs.) Registrants will be entered into a drawing to win a prize that is at least as amazing and remarkable as the Couch Potato/Zer0K prize pack.

The Sockball contest registration fees and all of the socks pitched will be donated to Listening House, a downtown St. Paul nonprofit that serves the homeless.

Run around the state
Securian Winter Run participants who are serious about their running – or are looking for a reason to visit communities across Minnesota – will be pleased to learn that the SWR is the first event of the year in the second annual Explore Minnesota Challenge.

Explore Minnesota Tourism, Anderson Race Management and Minnesota Distance Running Association partnered for the Challenge, which includes more than 25 running, walking, biking and triathlon events in 2013. An Explore Minnesota Challenge lapel pin is given to participants in each event. Those who receive pins from four of the required five events, including one in each of four regions in the state, will receive an Explore Minnesota Challenge medal, finisher shirt and other incentives.

Registrants also will receive membership in the Minnesota Distance Running Association and a starter kit.

Find complete information about the Securian Winter Run, including the registration site, the route, start times, entry fees, downloadable registration form and other relevant information at the Securian Winter Run microsite on Securian.com

The Securian Winter Run is a Saint Paul Winter Carnival event, which provides a week and a half of fun in St. Paul from January 24 through February 3. Dozens of events fill out the 11-day Carnival calendar, including the Beer Dabbler, Red Bull Run, Moon Glow Parade, and many other activities for people of all ages. All proceeds from the Securian Winter Run go to the Winter Carnival.

Since 1880, Securian Financial Group and its affiliates have provided financial security for individuals and businesses in the form of insurance, investments and retirement plans. Now one of the nation’s largest financial services providers, it is the holding company parent of a group that includes Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company, a New York admitted insurer.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10330894.htm