For More Information Contact:
Joe Harwood, 541-685-7471
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Nov. 18, 2011

Run to Stay Warm named “Race of the Month”

Join more than 1,300 runners who will take part in the race that Runner’s World magazine selected as the “Race of the Month” for all of North America and sign up for the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s fifth annual Run to Stay Warm.

As the region’s only half-marathon of the fall season, Run to Stay Warm allows participants to explore Pre’s old stomping grounds while aiding a worthy cause. All proceeds collected for the Nov. 20 event go to the utility’s Customer Care Program to help income-eligible customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills.

In addition to the half-marathon, the event includes 5K and 10K runs/walks, and a Kids 400 meter dash. The various courses, following the flat bike paths along the Willamette River, begin and end at the EWEB River Edge Plaza.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers, and to age division winners in each race. Everyone completing the half-marathon will receive a finisher award. The top walkers in the 5K and 10K, as well as the top wheelchair participants, will receive an award. Prizes will be awarded for the Kids 400M dash. Random prize drawings will take place for all participants.

Late registration is still available from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at EWEB's Customer Service Center at 500 E. Fourth Ave. in Eugene. Participants can also register on the morning of the event starting at 7 a.m. Cost is $30 for the half-marathon and $20 for the 5K and 10K events. Entry fees increase by $5 for those registering on race day.

The Kids 400 meter dash begins at 8:30 a.m., the half-marathon begins at 9 a.m., and the 5K and 10K events start at 9:15 a.m.

The Run to Stay Warm offers chip timing to provide the quickest and most accurate results. If running or walking in late November isn’t for you, there is also the Sleep in to Stay Warm. Donations to the Customer Care Program are welcome and encouraged for anyone who wants to help, but doesn’t want to participate in the event. To donate to Customer Care, call EWEB at 541-685-7000, and feel free to sleep in on Sunday, Nov. 20.

EWEB’s Customer Care Program helps more than 4,500 households with their utility bills each year. Run to Stay Warm has raised more than $55,000 to help customers pay their utility bills since it started five years ago.