Kinston's 8000: Run for the River
Attracting fast field of running athletes

The top three male runners in the 2008 Kinston 8000: Run for the River sprint down Queen Street on the way to setting course records for the event. From left to right, First Place Devin Swann of Raleigh, with a time of 24:51; Second Place Ryan Woods of Boone with a time of 25:21; and Third Place runner Tom Clifford of Wrightsville Beach. (Photo by Charles Buchanan, courtesy of the Kinston Free Press.)

Runners living in Kinston, Lenoir County and throughout the State and region are signing up for Pride of Kinston's 7th annual Run for the River set for March 31, 2012—including several who have set records over the prior 6-year history of the race.

In addition, a large number of local corporate sponsors have joined Pride and its Outdoor Events Team—plus Kinston's public safety and parks and recreation departments—to make the race possible. For example, race sponsor White & Allen law firm will reward the top three Lenoir County runners with a special cash award.

And a reliable corps of volunteers, including some who have helped at every race beginning in 2006, are poised to help make the event proceed as smoothly as possible. "Our volunteers have helped give Run for the River a very positive reputation among runners throughout North Carolina," according to Adrian King, Pride director. "We appreciate what they do."

Among the runners who have signed on include Devin Swann of Raleigh who holds the record for running the 8K race in 24 minutes flat in 2010. Swann's winning ways will be challenged this year by Boone runner Ryan Woods who came in second in the 2008 race, running the 4.97 miles in 25:21. Woods reports that his time in 8K races has improved since Kinston's 2008 race.

The top three male and female runners in the 8K race will take home cash awards totaling $1,900.00.

Also returning this year will be Heather McGill of Wilmington who has been the fastest female runner in the past several Runs for the River.

As a recurring feature of the race weekend, Pride will host a "Welcome to the Race" party Friday, Mar. 30, 2012 at the Hampton Inn. Sponsors, runners and volunteers are invited to attend the event, beginning at 6:00 pm with an important briefing for all volunteers.

Afterwards, a complimentary dinner will be served. Kinston Mayor B.J. Murphy will join Jeremy Jones, head of Pride's Outdoor Events Team, to welcome participants.

Special guest will be WNCT TV's David Sawyer, the station's chief meteorologist, who will do weather reports live during the party and interview race participants.

Runners will also be able to register during the welcome party as well as pick up their race packets at the hotel.
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Listed below are the sponsors of the 2012 Kinston 8000: Run for the River:

Run for the River Sponsors

Tourism Development Authority
Mother Earth Brewing Company
Kinston-Lenoir Parks & Recreation
Kinston Public Safety

Good Health Sponsors

Affordable Care, Inc.
Tands/Bojangles
Eastern Radiologists
Lenoir Memorial Hospital
107.9 WNCT
the little bank

Fleet of Foot Sponsors

David Albritton
BB&T
Paul Busick & Sarah Mullikin
CDS - Networks & Services
Cherry Energy
Coastal Connections
Corporate Resources
Discovery Insurance
Down East Protection Systems
Dr. Charles Classen
Hampton Inn
Harvey & Associates
Kinston Dental Associates
Kinston Head & Neck Physicians
Lenoir Community College - Theraputic Massage Dept.
Lenox China
m3 Consulting & Services
Perry Management
Rose, Rand Wallace Attorneys
State Farm Insurance Agencies
TACC9
White & Allen

Pat on the Back Sponsors

Commercial A/C Services
Contract Flooring & Design
Evans & Associates
Riverside Bicycles & Outdoor Sports
Sammy Aiken
W.A. Moore & Co.

 

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