Franciscan Health Named Presenting Sponsor of 2017 Carmel Marathon
December 23, 2016 – Carmel Road Racing Group (CRRG) today announced several new partnerships for the 2017 Carmel Marathon Weekend, Carmel’s largest running event, including announcing Franciscan Health as the 2017 Presenting Sponsor of the Carmel Marathon.
Franciscan Health (www.franciscanhealth.org) operates two hospitals in the greater Indianapolis area: Franciscan St. Francis Health in Carmel and Franciscan Health Indianapolis. “We are so pleased to have Franciscan Health return to the Carmel Marathon as a partner. They are very supportive of the running community including partnerships with the two largest running events in Indiana. It is an honor to have them join our team and we look forward to a long and mutually rewarding partnership,” said race director Todd Oliver.
By popular demand, the Carmel Marathon is bringing back the AmeriFirst Sprint to the Finish, an on-course challenge for marathon and half marathon participants that includes strategy and planning and provides an equal chance for all runners to win. The Carmel Marathon was the first race in the state of Indiana to hold such a contest in 2016. The inaugural champion came from South Dakota to take the honors. The Sprint to the Finish is sponsored by AmeriFirst Home Mortgage (www.amerifirst.com), a stand-alone mortgage banker with offices in ten states, including Indiana.
The Carmel 8K will have a new name in 2017, Indiana Spine Group 8K (www.indianaspinegroup.com). Indiana Spine Group has secured Name in Title rights for the unique 8K distance. Indiana Spine Group is a Center of Excellence for spine care, which specializes in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of spinal issues, including pain management, physical therapy and complimentary therapies.
Orangetheory Fitness returns as the Presenting Sponsor of the Carmel 5K. Orangetheory Fitness (www.orangetheoryfitness.com) is the energizing group personal training, interval fitness concept that is sweeping the nation. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory Fitness is a 60-minute workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Participants burn from 500 to 1000 calories per 60-minute training session (individual results vary), using a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension training™ and free weights.
Oskar Blues Brewery (www.oskarblues.com) is a Colorado-based craft brewery that is recognized as one of the originators of the craft brew in a can craze that has swept the nation. Participants over 21 in the Carmel Marathon Weekend events will be able to celebrate their finish in the Oskar Blues Brewing Beer Garden following the races. The partnership with Carmel Marathon is the first running partnership in Indiana for Oskar Blues.
The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana has returned as the official charity partner of the 2017 Carmel Marathon. "We are happy we can help support the families of children receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children,” said Oliver.
2016 was a record breaking year in participation for the Carmel Marathon and 2017 is trending ahead of last year. Event distances include a marathon, half marathon, 8K and 5K. All races use the same start and finish lines. Runners and walkers will enjoy the specially chosen courses highlighting various areas of Carmel. All finishers will receive medals and event shirts together with a free pass to the Monon Community Center to enjoy the use of the pools to relax after the race. Registration is now open and special early registration prices are in effect through December 31st. To register or for more information, go to www.carmelmarathon.com