Newsroom

SARASOTA, Fla. (February 3, 2010)---U.S. Road Sports & Entertainment Group (USRS) recently announced the signing of Bradenton, Fla. based First Watch Restaurants as the title sponsor of the Sarasota Half-Marathon and 5k Run, scheduled for March 14, 2010.The three-year agreement includes race name title as well as food provisions for the finish line and post-race festival including its signature Siesta Key Cocktail™, fresh fruit, muffins, juice and its Sunrise Select Premium Blend Coffee.

U.S. Road Sports CEO and Founder Greg Laird states, “The association with First Watch is an ideal match due to the company’s local headquarters and its growing local, regional and national reputation for its freshly prepared, healthy and unique daytime dining options.  U.S. Road Sports is committed to growing the Sarasota Half-Marathon as a leading community-based event and First Watch’s support greatly enhances this appeal on every level.”

“First Watch is excited about increasing our level of involvement with the First Watch Sarasota Half-Marathon.  It’s a natural fit for us being a company that has been in this community for so long and is headquartered here,” said Chief Marketing Officer Chris Tomasso. “It’s a wonderful, well-run high-profile event that promotes healthy living and we’re looking forward to another successful year,” Tomasso added.

First Watch Sarasota Half-Marathon & 5K race information

WHEN:

Sun., March 14, 2010

7:00 am (ChampionChip timing)

Mar. 12-13, 2010 – Packet Pick Up, Location TBA

Sarasota 5K

Sun., Mar. 14, 2010

7 am same-day registration

7:45 am race start

WHERE:

Sarasota, Florida, with the start and finish at John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

On Florida’s Gulf (West) Coast, one hour south of Tampa International Airport off I-75 with close in access from SRQ International Airport in Sarasota.

COURSE INFO:

The First Watch Sarasota Half-Marathon is an out and back course open to runners and walkers with a four-hour time limit.  There is a male/female push rim wheelchair division for the 2010 Half-Marathon. The 5K Run begins and ends at Payne Park on Sarasota’s Bayfront.

Flat, Fast & Scenic Course

The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon is a flat, fast and a scenic race.  The start and finish are at the historic and cultural John and Mable Ringling Museum. This out and back course runs along some of Sarasota's most popular sights: the Ringling Museum, Bay Shore Neighborhoods, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Centennial Park, The Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Bayfront Park & Marina and the John Ringling Bridge with the turn around located on Bird Key.  A large portion of the route follows the waterfront. It is a run with a view!

FIRST WATCH HALF-MARATHON COST:

Until Feb. 5th:  $65

Feb. 6-Mar. 10: $75

Includes technical short-sleeved t-shirt, goodie bag, aid stations with Lemon-Lime Gatorade, medical support, finisher’s medal, post-race party including food and beverages from First Watch restaurants and awards ceremony

CHARITY:

Fit Nation Foundation – percentage of event proceeds to go to this Atlanta and Miami-based organization that promotes and creates awareness of healthy lifestyles for children with a focus on health and physical education through voluntary, exciting, goal-oriented running programs that will improve their lifestyle, including the Run for Somethin’ Better Program that helps to reduce childhood obesity through education, wellness and community outreach programs.

TO REGISTER:

Visit www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com or www.active.com for event information and registration.  On-line registration closes at midnight on Mar. 12, 2010.  On-site registration at the Sarasota Half-Marathon PACKET PICK-UP takes place Mar. 12-13, 2010.

TO VOLUNTEER:

Volunteers are welcome and needed for packet pick-up and event day.  For more information and to register, visit www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com.

ABOUT:  First Watch

Bradenton-based First Watch is the largest and fastest growing, privately owned, daytime-only restaurant chain in the United States. First Watch specializes in unique breakfast, brunch and lunch creations, all freshly prepared to order. The First Watch menu features an appetizing assortment of items, from traditional favorites—like eggs, pancakes, soups, salads and sandwiches—to unique signature dishes—such as the Chickichanga™, Crepeggs™ and classic BLTE™ sandwich. Health-conscious since its inception, First Watch’s “Healthier Side” features a variety of delicious options, including egg white omelettes, fresh fruit crepes and the signature Power Wrap™. A daytime café, First Watch is open from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM.  For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

ABOUT:  U.S. Road Sports & Entertainment Group

U.S. Road Sports & Entertainment Group is a health and wellness company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events.  The mission of U.S. Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city’s culture, identity and brand.  For each participant, U.S. Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun.  U.S. Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.

In addition to the Sarasota Half-Marathon, USRS hosted events include South Florida’s largest road race, the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon®, as well as the Chicago Half-Marathon, ING Georgia Marathon, 13.1 Marathon® Series and the Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon.

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Media Note: Interview and photography requests are welcome.  Please contact Holly Johnson at Imagica Communications, holly@imagica.us or 941.350.9615 for more information.