Get Ready to Race the 17th Annual Arturo Barrios Invitational
Including a 10K, 5K and children's races, there is an event for all runners and walkers at the Fiesta by The Bay
CHULA VISTA, Calif., (Sept. 27, 2005) - The Arturo Barrios Invitational is set to celebrate its 17th anniversary Sun., Oct. 23, 2005 at the Chula Vista Marina. As a San Diego event that has recorded a long tradition of international running excellence, participants and spectators will experience professional performances from North America's top 5K runners.
The day's premier event is the North American 5K Team Championship, featuring world-class elite athletes from Canada, Mexico and the United States, competing for a $25,000 cash prize purse.
The Arturo Barrios Invitational begins with a 5K People's Run at 7:30 a.m. followed by a 5K People's Walk at 7:35 a.m. and a 10K People's Run at 8:30 a.m. The North American Team Championship begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Fiesta Kids Run that features a one-mile and half-mile race for children ages 12 and under. All participants receive commemorative medals, goodie bags and race T-shirts.
A Health & Fitness Expo will run throughout race day featuring a variety of fitness products, running shoes and sports apparel for sample and sale. An annual tradition, Aunt Emma's Pancake Restaurant will cook up a complementary pancake breakfast for participants and spectators. The Kids Corner returns this year. For children ages 4 - 12, this is a secured, interactive fun-zone where kids can safely play while parents compete. The Kids Corner features a Jolly Jumper, face painting, coloring and other fun surprises.
This year, the Arturo Barrios Invitational is proud to partner with the City of Chula Vista in the Healthy Lifestyles initiative. This program, along with the help of local leaders, is designed to promote monthly events that focus on wellness, nutrition and exercise in the City of Chula Vista. In part, the Arturo Barrios Invitational invites business leaders, school administrators, teachers and students to get involved in the action through a series of group competitions.
The Goodrich Corporate Cup encourages local businesses to gather co-workers, runners or walkers, to participate in the 5K or 10K event. The Superintendent's Challenge calls on principals, teachers and school faculty to lace up their running shoes. The school that brings the highest percentage of staff members receives a commemorative plaque and a catered lunch at the school's next staff development day. For the younger speedsters, the School Championship challenges students 12 and under to participate in the Fiesta Kids' Run.
Participants are advised to register online prior to Sun., Oct.16 at
to receive the best price. Groups may register as a team and make the day an event for friends and family. A Spanish language version of the Arturo Barrios Invitational website is available. Online registration is posted in English, but a Spanish language entry form may be downloaded.
For more information about the Arturo Barrios Invitational, contact Elite Racing, Inc. at 5452 Oberlin Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, call 858/450-6510 or visit
.
Major sponsors of the Arturo Barrios Invitational include City of Chula Vista, Goodrich, Qualcomm, Ford, Otay Ranch and Stone & Youngberg. The Arturo Barrios Invitational benefits the South Chula Vista Library.