Contact:

Geneva Hampton, Executive Director

 501-371-4639

ghampton@littlerock.gov

For Immediate Release

Baptist Health Renews Little Rock Half Marathon Sponsorship

LITTLE ROCK, AR (September 6, 2013) – Baptist Health has renewed its sponsorship of the Little Rock Half Marathon on March 2, 2014 in downtown Little Rock according to race officials.

The Little Rock Half Marathon, presented by Baptist Health, is part of the 12th Annual Little Rock Marathon Weekend presented by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette slated for February 28 – March 2, 2014 and benefits Little Rock Parks & Recreation.

Baptist Health is the state’s most comprehensive healthcare system.  With more than 175 points of access including seven hospitals, Baptist Health is committed to deliver “All Our Best” in healthcare to the people of Arkansas.

 "Baptist Health is honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Little Rock Half Marathon," said Russ Harrington, president and CEO of Baptist Health. "We've been privileged to have sponsored this race since the beginning, and knowing that we're reaching the 11^th anniversary race is especially exciting not only for the participants but also for what this race means to our community and state."

More than 15,000 participants and an estimated 30,000 spectators will descend on central Arkansas for five road races and two-day health and fitness expo.

"Baptist Health has been the presenting sponsor of the Little Rock Half Marathon since its inception in 2004,” said Nancy Green, Little Rock Marathon chairman.  "Our continued relationship with Baptist Health speaks volumes about its strong commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles through distance running and walking.”

Registration will be available online at www.littlerockmarathon.com through 11:59 PM CST February 21, 2014.  A mail in registration form is also available on the registration page of the website or by calling race headquarters at 501.371.4639. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by February 21, 2014. 

For more information about the Little Rock Marathon please visit http://littlerockmarathon.com.

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About Baptist Health

Baptist Health exists to provide quality patient-centered services, promote and protect the voluntary not-for-profit healthcare system, provide quality health education and respond to the changing needs of the citizens of Arkansas with Christian compassion and personal concern consistent with our charitable purpose.

About Little Rock Parks & Recreation
Little Rock Parks and Recreation oversees 57 developed parks and twelve undeveloped parks totaling over 6,100 acres.  In addition, the Little Rock Parks & Recreation offers a wide-range of youth and adult recreational and sports leagues, after-school and summer playground programs for children ages 6-15, outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation and programs for seniors.  Funds raised will continue to support parks and recreational programs for all ages. For more information about Little Rock Parks & Recreation please visit www.lrpr.org