FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boloco Heartbreak Hill Grand Prix set for June 29, 2008
- Pro-Am Bicycle and Running Races to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation -
NEWTON, MASS., (April 29, 2008) - Competitive runners and cyclists, mark your calendars: the Boloco Heartbreak Hill Grand Prix (www.bolocorace.com) will race into Newton, Massachusetts in two months. Inspired by the Boston Marathon’s “Heartbreak Hill,” the race is positioned to become one of the nation’s most visible events in only its first year.
With more than 1,400 competitors expected at this fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the event will include 5K and 10K running races and an afternoon of professional and amateur bicycle races. In an effort to make the event parent-friendly, race organizers plan to offer free child care and kids’ bicycle races. “We’ve wanted to bring an event of this caliber to the greater Boston area for a few years,” said Race Director J. Alain Ferry of Psyclone Sports. “The City of Newton shares our vision; this will be a day for the entire family to come together for a good cause and cheer on the country’s top runners and cyclists.”
The bicycle race is slated as the second event of the newly-formed New England Race Week, a five-event, eight-day series of bike races across southern New England with a combined cash purse of over $75,000. The runners will be competing for a cash purse of at least $1,000 before relaxing in the post-race hospitality area with outdoor showers and free sports massage.
For the city of Newton and the greater Boston area, this race promises not only a substantial economic impact, but one that speaks volumes to the messages of fitness and alternative transportation.
“The citizens of Newton are active and engaged in matters of health and the environment,” said David Cohen, the Mayor of Newton. “We look forward to hosting this world-class event that showcases our city, while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle and promoting eco-friendly transportation.”
Boloco, a locally-owned restaurant company, has signed on as the race’s title sponsor. “We’ve been supporting cycling events for a few years. But Heartbreak Hill is truly special, and we jumped at the chance to align Boloco with a national sporting event right in our own back yard,” said John Pepper, the company’s CEO and co-founder. “Given the event’s charitable endeavors - and the debatable fact that running and cycling generally allows people to enjoy two burritos per day versus just one - we enthusiastically support the Boloco Heartbreak Hill Grand Prix.”
Race proceeds will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation in their fight against cancer. “At this point, who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way?” said Ferry. “Sure, this race will bring thousands of people together for a day of world-class cycling and running, but it’s really about the race for a cure.”
