  New Marathon Race to Debut in Providence PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Nov. 27, 2007 – A new full marathon race will debut in Providence when the Cox Providence Rhode Races featuring the Cox Sports Marathon, a ½ Marathon and 5K, will be held the weekend of May 3-4, 2008. The event is co-sponsored by Johnson & Wales University. The race will pay tribute to those with ties to the university community by giving an award in the name of Colonel John McNulty, a former Johnson & Wales administrator who was instrumental in launching cross country racing at the-then Johnson and Wales Junior College. One of the charitable beneficiaries is the Brendan Doyle Recovery Fund, honoring Rhode Island State Trooper Brendan Doyle, son of Johnson and Wales All-American Runner Bobby Doyle. Other charitable partners include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Cox Charities New England. Charlie Breagy is the race director. "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." "JWU has had a long tradition of participating in cross country racing which dates back to the early sixties," said Dr. Irving Schneider, president of the Providence campus. "We are proud to be a part of this premier athletic event. At the same time, our students will be gaining practical experience through internships with Eident in areas such as marketing, sponsorship sales and event operations and planning." The race will begin at the university's Harborside Campus. It will wind its way through Roger Williams Park toward the East Side of Providence, and down Blackstone Boulevard. A short trip throughout the downtown area culminates in the finish line at Gaebe Commons at the university’s Downcity Campus. Besides the full marathon, a Corporate/Social Group Relay Challenge, half marathon, 5K, and Kids Race will encourage all levels of runners to participate. This race serves as a qualifying event for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Students from the School of Technology will be helping to maintain the website for the marathon, which can be accessed at www.rhoderaces.com. Applications, registration information and a list of prizes can be found there. For more information, contact Eident Sports Marketing at 437-8881 Johnson & Wales University, founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, we offer accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education. With a diverse student body of more than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 89 countries, JWU prepares students for personal and professional success by integrating rigorous academics and professional skills, community leadership opportunities and our unique career education model. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and by offering unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I., North Miami, Fla., Denver, Colo., and Charlotte, N.C. For more information visit www.jwu.edu.
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