Shalane Already Schedule for CVS 5K in September

Bronze Medalist in Women's U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team
To Race in 2008 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K

From Beijing to Providence, R.I., Shalane Flanagan – Bronze Medalist in the 10,000M – to hit the ground running


Woonsocket, RI (August 15, 2008) -- Officials spearheading the 2008 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K announced today that Shalane Flanagan, a top member of the Women's 2008 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team and American record holder of the 3K, 5K and 10K, will come to Providence following the Olympics to participate in this year's race on September 21. Flanagan, who today won the bronze medal in the Women's 10,000m event, plans to defend the national championship she won at last year's CVS Caremark Downtown 5K. 

"We are thrilled to have a runner of Shalane Flanagan's caliber participate in the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K," said Eileen Howard Dunn, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations for CVS Caremark. "Her presence will incite a special level of enthusiasm for the event this year."

Flanagan, who grew up in Marblehead, Mass., is one of 59 athletes representing the United States on the Women's Olympic Track and Field team. 

The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K is Sunday, September 21. The race will start and finish on Francis Street in front of the Rhode Island State House in downtown Providence. Individual and team advance race registration, course maps, and complete event information are available on line at www.cvsdowntown5k.com. 

2008 marks the ninth consecutive year that CVS Caremark is sponsoring the Downtown 5K. Last year, more than 7,000 participants registered for the various races, and the event raised funds for local schools and non-profit agencies. In the last eight years, the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K has raised a total of $800,000 for charity. 

For the second consecutive year, race headquarters will be at the Renaissance Providence Hotel, located at 5 Avenue of the Arts next to the Rhode Island State House. Race participants may register for the race and pick up their race numbers at the hotel. They will also receive a gift bag when they sign up to participate.

About the Downtown 5K
The Downtown 5K is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that promotes health and fitness through road racing. Proceeds from the annual race event are donated to local youth charities in Rhode Island and Southern New England.