The Daily Newarker — Press Wire

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK HOLDS OPEN REGISTRATION FOR 35TH ANNUAL
NEWARK DISTANCE CLASSIC; RACE SET FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 21;
City is also seeking volunteers to support first distance race of 2010 season;
Early registration deadline is March 15; Runners can register day of race
Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation to co-sponsor this year’s annual 5K and 20K runs

Newark, NJ – March 2, 2010 – Mayor Cory A. Booker and Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Melvin L. Waldrop announced today that the City of Newark is currently registering runners for its 35th Annual Distance Classic, which will take place on Sunday, March 21, 2010. The annual 5K and 20K run will tip off at 9:30 a.m. This is the first distance event of the 2010 running season.

“The Newark Distance Classic attracts runners from throughout the world who want to test their strength, dedication, and commitment upon the streets and hills of Newark,” Mayor Booker said. “I urge all of our residents to extend a warm welcome to all of the runners who compete in this event, and manifest the greatness of Newark by cheering them on as they race across our City.”

Cash awards will be given out for the top three male and female 20K overall finishers, as well as the top three USA Track Federation for New Jersey -certified male and female finishers, and the top three Masters USATF-New Jersey male and female finishers. First place-winners will receive $2,500, Second place gets $1,500, while third-place earns $1,000.

Awards will also go to 5K winners and 20K winners in various age groups. Businesses, schools, colleges, and other groups may compete with male, female, or co-ed teams for top three finishers in the “team” categories. All pre-registered runners will receive a souvenir t-shirt.

The Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs is also recruiting volunteers to serve on race day to register runners, to man water stops, and act as race marshals.

The Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation, founded by the four-time Olympian and New Jersey native, is joining to co-sponsor the race for the first time this year. The Foundation has partnered with the City to support other youth fitness and sports program. Joetta Clark Diggs will make a personal appearance at the race to greet the competitors.

The race is the first of the nation’s distance running season, and is considered a warm-up for events like the Boston Marathon and other major marathons. USA Track & Field New Jersey and New Balance North Jersey are co-sponsoring the race. The challenging route takes runners through Newark’s downtown and Branch Brook Park, and will be held rain or shine.

Race award categories are as follows: 20K Age Division Awards: 19 and under; 20-29; 30-39; and all Masters’ five-year age divisions. 5K Awards: Top three Male and Female Overall; Top three in the following Age Divisions: 14-under; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80 and over.

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The race is certified by the USA Track Federation for New Jersey. All registrations postmarked before March 15, are $20. Registrations postmarked after that cost $25. USATF-NJ members get a $2.00 discount off the registration fee. Registration closes at 9 a.m. on race day, Sunday, March 21, 2010. Everyone competing in the run will receive a race souvenir t-shirt. Runners muster for the race by 9 a.m. at Rutgers University Gymnasium (Golden Dome), located at 42 Warren Street, Newark, New Jersey. Support Volunteers should arrive earlier.

“The Newark Distance Classic has been a signature athletic event for the City of Newark for 35 years,” Director Waldrop said. “I am proud of how our residents turn out to participate, to support the runners, or to serve as volunteers, showing our City’s great hospitality and warmth. We want to continue to grow and strengthen this event so that it becomes one of the major running events in the nation. It is a great opportunity to showcase our City.”

The race will be preceded by the Mighty Milers Run, in which Newark youth aged 6-15 from all six of the City’s Recreation Centers will compete in a co-ed race over a one-mile route. The youth runners will join in the race as a celebration of their participation in the Mighty Milers, a New York Road Runners Foundation Program that strives to make running a part of every child’s school day. Winners in various age categories, the overall winning runner and recreation center team will receive awards presented by a representative from the Mighty Miler Corporate office.

Creating a healthier Newark is a priority for the Booker administration. At his Fourth Annual State of the City Address on February 9, 2010, the Mayor announced that he will serve as National Co-Chair of First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to fight childhood obesity.

Since 2006, the Booker administration has made the comprehensive rehabilitation of each of the City’s recreation centers a priority to improve the quality of life for Newark’s residents. After millions of dollars of capital investment, every city Recreation facility and pool has been successfully upgraded and is now open for expanded programs and community use. In addition, City programming at recreation centers has been thoroughly enriched. Residents can now access a full catalogue of recreation and cultural programs and services.

For more information on competing or volunteering, contact Miriam Santiago at (973) 733-3749. For information about any City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

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Contact: Newark Press Information Office – (973) 733-8004
E-mail: pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey
Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.

About Joetta Clark Diggs

Joetta Clark Diggs is a four-time Track & Field Olympian who has competed in the sport for more than 25 years. A native of New Jersey, she is considered by track enthusiasts as the most prolific 800-meter runner of all time. She made Olympic history, coupled with her sister and sister-in-law, when they made the 2000 Olympic team in the same event, 800 meters. The ladies were known as “Team Clark” and were coached by “J.J.” Clark, Joetta’s brother, who is also the Director of Track & Field at the University of Tennessee.

Mrs. Clark Diggs is the President, of Joetta Sports & Beyond, LLC and the Executive Director of the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation, Inc., and is also one of America’s most sought-after motivational/ team enhancement speakers. Joetta’s Foundation promotes involvement in physical activities for girls and boys grades K-12. Ms. Clark Diggs was also the host and producer of a cable fitness show for kids called Fitkidz, NJ. She is a graduate from the University of Tennessee, and the daughter of Jetta and Dr. Joe L. Clark the subject of the movie, “Lean on Me.” Joetta is married to Ronald Diggs and they have one child.

About the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation

The Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation (JCDSF) was founded by New Jersey’s four-time Olympian and author Joetta Clark Diggs. The JCDSF promotes involvement in physical activities for girls & boys ages K-12. The Foundation is committed to teaching good health and positive work ethics associated with participation in sports and introducing the different opportunities for girls & boys in the sports and entertainment industry. Joetta Clark Diggs is Executive Director of the JCDSF and after 25 years of competition, Joetta has worked with a variety of athletes, students, corporate professional and community leaders bringing about hope and solutions for our youth. Now retired, Joetta’s ambition, determination and commitment are just a few qualities that have empowered others to achieve their destiny.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

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