The New Orleans Saints and Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the leading active lifestyle sports media and event entertainment company, on Thursday announced the return of a 5K running event to kick off the 2013 NFL campaign. The second annual Saints Back to Football Run presented by Chevron will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31, benefiting Team Gleason, The One Fund Boston and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. The event will also include a NFL 'PLAY 60' one mile fun run for kids.
"The return of football season in New Orleans is truly a special feeling of excitement and anticipation and this is a great event for our fans of all ages to come together and celebrate in a positive and healthy way," said Saints Owner/Vice Chairman of the Board Rita Benson LeBlanc. "Thanks to the support of Chevron, this race is a great way for us to highlight our club's commitment to health and physical fitness and our PLAY 60 initiatives while also raising funds for three worthy organizations in Team Gleason, The One Fund Boston and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation."
Taking place the weekend before the Saints kick off their 2013 season against the Atlanta Falcons in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Saints Back to Football Run presented by Chevron invites fans to share in the glory of the gridiron while supporting a healthy and active lifestyle by completing a 5K (3.1 miles). For the second consecutive year, participants will have the opportunity to start the race at Champions Square and finish on the 50-yard line of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Gumbo and Sir Saint, the club's mascots, along with the Saintsations, will be in attendance to cheer on participants. A post-race party with live entertainment along with access to a beer garden will take place after the race in Champions Square, and all participants will receive a "Saints Back to Football Run" shirt, a commemorative finisher's medal and an NFL-approved bag. The clear vinyl bag, which Chevron and Peoples Health have teamed up to provide to registered participants (while supplies last), has been produced in compliance with the new security policies that have been instituted by the NFL for the 2013 season.
"For nearly half a century, the Saints have contributed to the economic growth and the social fabric of the region Chevron calls home," said Warner Williams, vice president of Chevron North America Exploration and Production. "We are pleased to partner with the Saints to bring the Back to Football Run to New Orleans, encouraging fans of all ages to stay active and engage in healthy lifestyles. What better way to show our team spirit than to show our human energy."
The event will also include a NFL 'PLAY 60' one mile fun run for kids. The non-timed, non-competitive race welcomes families and fans of all ages to enjoy a fun day of celebration while also making a positive choice to get moving and promote living an active lifestyle. The 5K race begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, while the kids' run starts at 9 a.m.
"Without a doubt our New Orleans event was the marquee race of the 2012 Back to Football Run series," said Jamie Monroe, CGI event director. "There is no better way to kick off the 2013 season than with thousands of Saints fans celebrating the return of football in Champions Square. We look forward to even more fans experiencing the thrill of running onto the field and anticipate reaching capacity in 2013."
Registration opened Thursday at NFLRunSeries.com/Saints. Runners who register by Friday, July 19, using the discount code: SAINTS13 will save $5 on registration.
Information About The Charities Benefited By The Saints Back To Football Run Presented By Chevron:
Team Gleason – Team Gleason was created by former Saints safety Steve Gleason and his friends and family after he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2011. Team Gleason's mission is to generate public awareness for ALS, raise funding to empower those with ALS to live a rewarding life and ultimately find a cure.
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The One Fund Boston – The One Fund Boston was formed to assist victims and families affected by the tragic events at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013 and in the days that followed. In the time after the marathon, through the incredible generosity of thousands of individuals, foundations and corporations, The One Fund Boston has raised more than $60 million for the victims and families.
Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation – Organized in August, 1988, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (GNOSF) is a non-profit 501(c) (4) organization whose mission is to attract and manage sporting events that have a positive economic impact on the Greater New Orleans area. Since 1988, the GNOSF has turned a $25 million investment, from public and private sources into a $1 billion economic impact. Most recently the Saints and Pelicans organizations have worked in conjunction with the GNOSF for successful bids for Super Bowl XLVII, which was played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 and the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.
