Team Run Flagstaff and the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Team Up to Present Inaugural Downtown Mile
The city’s first one-mile race on the streets of historic downtown
Flagstaff will kickoff July 4th festivities
May 17, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flagstaff (May 17,
2012)—Before the backyard barbeques or fireworks begin on July 4, 2012, 300
runners will take to the streets of historic downtown Flagstaff for the city’s
first one-mile race, beginning and ending at Heritage Square.
The inaugural Downtown Mile, presented by the Flagstaff
Chamber of Commerce and Team Run Flagstaff, is the first race of its kind in
the community. Beginning at 7 a.m., prior to the annual 4th of July
Parade, four waves of competitors will have the opportunity to see how fast
they can cover a mile on a portion of the parade route, providing a unique
experience and plenty of spectators for runners of all abilities.
“The Flagstaff Chamber is thrilled to partner with Team Run
Flagstaff to bring the Downtown Mile to life. With the street closures already
in place for our parade, it feels like a totally natural fit to add this event
to the summer holiday festivities,” said Kat Ross, membership director for the
Chamber. “We look forward to a large race and feel that the excitement of this
event will attract a new demographic to Flagstaff on the 4th and
boost our local economy.”
Racers will start and end the two-loop, half-mile course on
Aspen at Heritage Square, turning north on San Francisco, west on Cherry, south
on Beaver, and returning to Aspen. Participants will be divided into four race
categories: master’s women (aged 40 and older), master’s men, open women, and
open men. The heats will begin at 7 a.m. and each will start 15 minutes apart.
A free half-mile kids’ race will be held at 6:55 a.m. for children ages 12 and
under. Awards for overall and age group top finishers will take place after the
final heat at Heritage Square, as well as a raffle.
The Downtown Mile race concept was one that members of Team
Run Flagstaff had imagined for several years, however the partnership with the
Chamber has made it a reality.
“For members of Team Run Flagstaff, running is a positive
part of our lives and we want to share our passion for the sport and our community
with a fun, fast race that anybody can participate in,” said Michael Smith,
executive director of Team Run Flagstaff. “We are grateful that the Chamber of
Commerce embraced our vision and has enthusiastically collaborated with us to
create what we hope is a new 4th of July tradition in our city.”
The race is capped at 300 participants and is expected to
sell out in its first year. Registration is now available at VirtualRoster.com
(look for “Flagstaff July 4 Downtown Mile”) and the cost is $30. Only advanced
registration is available—race-day registration will not be provided. Race
packet and shirt pick up will be held at Run Flagstaff (204A East Rt. 66) on
July 3, 2012.
Following the race, runners are highly encouraged to stick
around downtown for the rest of the summer holiday festivities, beginning with
the parade.
“Flagstaff is a runner’s paradise,” Smith said. “The
opportunity to run through the heart of this city we love, surrounded and
cheered on by many members of our community, is exhilarating.”
CONTACTS
Kat Ross
Chamber of Commerce Membership Director
928-774-4505
Michael Smith
Team Run Flagstaff Executive Director
978-852-8247
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Team Run Flagstaff is
the city’s largest nonprofit running organization, with more than 250 members.
TRF provides opportunities in running for people of all abilities and interests
through organized training, coaching, and educational offerings. For more
information, visit teamrunflagstaff.com.
The Flagstaff Chamber
of Commerce was founded in 1891 as the Board of Trade. It is a nonprofit
organization with a mission to improve and protect the business climate and
quality of life in the Flagstaff area by advocating for business and being a
community partner and business resource. For more information, visit
flagstaffchamber.com.
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