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November 27, 2007

Providence is getting a full marathon in May

PROVIDENCE -- A new full marathon is coming to the city, officials announced today, and it will include a charity component in the name of a Rhode Island State Trooper who is recovering from serious injuries.

The marathon, which will be a qualifier for the 2009 Boston Marathon, will be on May 4. There will also be a half-marathon, a marathon relay and a 5K race, all part of the Cox Providence Rhode Races.

One of the charitable beneficiaries is the Brendan Doyle Recovery Fund, which benefits state trooper Brendan Doyle, son of Johnson & Wales All-American runner Bobby Doyle.

A former state correctional officer is accused of punching Doyle, who was off duty, in Providence over the summer. Last week, a Superior Court judge ordered the accused, James Proulx, held on $100,000 bail.

Other charitable partners include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Cox Charities New England.

The race will start at Johnson & Wales' Harborside Campus, winding through Roger Williams Park toward the city's East Side, and down Blackstone Boulevard. A short trip through the downtown culminates in the finish line at Gaebe Commons on the university’s downcity campus.

Runners can register online through the marathon's Web site.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

The new marathon is co-sponsored by Johnson & Wales University. It will also pay tribute to people with Johnson & Wales ties. There will be an award in the name of Col. John McNulty, a former Johnson & Wales administrator who helped launch cross country racing at the-then Johnson and Wales Junior College.

The university "has had a long tradition of participating in cross country racing which dates back to the early sixties,” Irving Schneider, president of the Providence campus of Johnson & Wales, said in the statement. “We are proud to be a part of this premier athletic event.

He added that the race would provide students with "practical experience" in marketing, sponsorship sales, operations and planning through internships with Eident Sports Marketing.

“Eident Sports Marketing is looking forward to developing the Cox Providence Rhode Races into one of the country’s premier running events,” said John Mathews, president of Eident Sports Marketing. “We aim to make this not only a top notch marathon, but an educational experience for the students of Johnson & Wales University and an enjoyable event for the greater Providence and Rhode Island communities.”

Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:53 PM | Permalink

November 27, 2007

Providence is getting a full marathon in May

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