Arnold 5K Pump and Run: Unique Combination Event Measures Strength And Endu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2009
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The 2009 Arnold 5K Pump and Run, which tests overall fitness by measuring both strength and endurance, continues to be the most popular and largest race of its kind in the United States and will attract a record field of 750 for this year’s event on Sunday, March 8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Athletes from 30 states, up from 25 states in 2008, and two other countries will participate in this year’s 5K Pump and Run. Competitors bench press a pre-determined percentage of their body weight. Each lift (up to a max of 30) reduces their 5-kilometer run time by 30 seconds. In 2008, winner Matt Quinlet, of West Virginia, ran a 16:43 time for the 5k after benching his body weight 30 times for a net time, reducing his net run time to 1:43. Michigan’s Lisa Veneziano won the women’s race for a fourth-straight year with a net time of 3:17 (18:17 5k, 30 reps).
The Arnold 5K Pump and Run has 10 age / gender divisions. Depending on age, men must bench press 60-100 percent of their weight, and women 40-70 percent of their weight. U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors oversee the bench press and inspire lifters to their maximum.
“Combining lifting and running tests overall fitness, gauging speed, endurance, and strength,” said Matt McGowan, event director. “We are looking forward to producing our largest and most exciting event yet.”
Weigh-in and bench press begin at 7am Sunday March 8. The 5K run-only event begins at 9:30 am at the north end of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The running portion of the Pump and Run begins at 10:30 am. Spectators are welcome and the outdoor portion of the event is free. Admission to the “pump” portion of the Arnold 5K Pump and Run is included in the $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness Expo, set for March 6-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold
Registration for the 5K Pump and Run is closed, but applications are still being accepted for a companion 5-kilometer race, and the Arnold 5K Racewalk, also held on March 8, 2009. For more information and to enter the 5k race, visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and www.runohio.com. For information about the 5K racewalk, visit
www.runwildracing.com.
