Save the Date for the CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race

The 19^th running of the CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race will take place in downtown Manchester, N. H. on Thursday, August 11 at 6:20 p.m. Earning bragging rights for being the only sub-14-minute run in New Hampshire, the CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race is the fastest New Hampshire 5K on record. It’s also a great way for people to test their skills against elite runners from all over the world or join the thousands of runners, walkers, wheelchair racers and families who come out for an evening of fun and fitness.

The race has something for everyone -- it’s a fun event for individuals, corporate teams and families. Since its inception, the CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K has consistently ranked among the top 20 largest 5K road races in the country according to Running USA. In some years, the race has ranked among the 100 largest timed road races of any length in the country.

"As a celebration of health and wellness, getting ready for and participating in the race is a great way for people to get started on their own personal road to fitness. What could be more rewarding than starting a walking or running program by setting a goal to finish the race,” said Don Curry, president of CIGNA in New England. "Many companies have found the race is a great event to launch a corporate fitness program.”

Over the past 18 years, several hundred thousand dollars have been contributed to New Hampshire charities in the name of the participants. This year, proceeds from the race, as well as additional donations made by race participants, will benefit Elliot Health System. In addition, as part of CIGNA's recently announced expansion of the Community Caring Awards program, CIGNA employees who walk or run in the race may have $100 contributed by CIGNA to the charity of their choice.

"Elliot is a proud co-sponsor of the race because it is a unique day with health, wellness and fitness at its core," said Doug Dean, President and CEO of Elliot Health System. "Seeing thousands of individuals come out to show spirit for their corporate team while achieving individual fitness goals is inspiring and truly exciting to see."

Corporate teams of five or more employees have until July 19 to finalize their team registration. Corporate cups are awarded for the teams with the most participation and highest percentage of official finishers in three categories: small, medium and large teams. In addition, there are also awards for the top 10 male, female and co-ed teams. Individual awards are presented to the top five fastest males and females, participants running better than 14:50 (male) or 17:20 (female), New Hampshire’s first male and female finisher as well as the masters first male and female finisher. Course record bonus awards are also available to those beating the course record of 13:54.

Jamie Staton, sports director at WMUR-TV is the race announcer at the starting line and master of ceremonies for the awards presentation in Veterans Park immediately following the race. Sponsors who help make the race possible include WMUR-TV, 96.5 The MILL, Jillian’s, Coca-Cola, Strands Fitness, Rockingham Ambulance, Stonyfield Farms, Brady Sullivan Properties, Hannaford, The Fruit Center, and Waste Management. "Special thanks to The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, City of Manchester, and Manchester Police and Fire Departments for their assistance,” added Curry.

Registration for individuals will only be available online this year. Corporate teams have a paper or online option available to them. Individuals hoping to take advantage of the $24 discounted registration fee must be entered by midnight, August 8. Individuals may also register for $28 on race day from noon until 6:00 p.m. in Veterans Park. Everyone will receive a branded race dri-wick shirt in place of the traditional cotton t-shirt and finisher’s award. Cash prizes from $100 to $1,000 are awarded in various categories.

The CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race website includes details about the race, including photos from previous years. Additional information is available on the road race hotline at 800.554.1664 where callers may request registration materials.

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE: CI) is a global health service and financial company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries in the United States provide an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance. CIGNA offers products and services in 29 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 66 million customer relationships throughout the world. All products and services are provided exclusively by such operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation. Such operating subsidiaries include Life Insurance Company of North America, CIGNA Life Insurance Company of New York, and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com. To sign up for email alerts or an RSS feed of company news, log on to http://newsroom.cigna.com/rss. Also, follow us on Twitter at @cigna, visit CIGNA’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/cigna and listen to CIGNA's podcast series with healthy tips and information at http://www.cigna.com/podcasts or by searching "CIGNA" in iTunes.

About Elliot Health System

Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890. The largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Southern New Hampshire, Elliot Hospital, a 296-bed acute care facility and the first community hospital in the state, serves as the cornerstone of the health system. Elliot is home to Manchester’s designated Regional Trauma Center, Elliot Breast Health Center, Elliot Urgent Care, a Level 3 Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Elliot Physician Network, Elliot Regional Cancer Center, the Elliot Senior Health Center, Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern New Hampshire, and Elliot 1-Day Surgery Center. For more information on any of Elliot’s services, call Elliot On-Call at 663-4567 or visit www.elliothospital.org.