Legendary Runner Henry Rono to Participate in Cox Providence Rhode Races
Rono, who broke four world records in a span of 81 days, will be on hand race weekend

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Posted Tuesday, 28 April, 2009

Providence, RI – Legendary runner Henry Rono, who once broke four world records in a span of 81 days, will participate in this weekend’s Cox Providence Rhode Races.

Rono, 56, will be on hand to sign his autobiography, Olympic Dream on Saturday, May 2 at the Health & Wellness Expo at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Providence. He will compete in the 5k at the Cox Providence Rhode Races, Sunday, May 3.

“I competed in Providence nearly 25 years ago,” said Rono. “I love the area and am looking forward to returning this weekend to take part in the Cox Providence Rhode Races.”

A native of Kenya, the highlight of Rono’s running career occurred in 1978 when he broke four world records in a span of just 81 days. He set new records in the 10,000 meters (27:22.5), the 5,000 meters (13:08.4), the 3,000 meters steeplechase (8:05.4), and the 3,000 meters (7:32.1).

Rono was never able to compete in the Olympics. His country twice boycotted the Games during the peak of his running career. By 1984, he was battling alcoholism and was no longer competing.

After overcoming many obstacles and decades of being sidelined, Rono began training and competing again last year.
“Being back into the running world means a lot to my life and is even more rewarding to me than in the past,” said Rono, who how coaches high school track in New Mexico. “Running is important to my life. It gives me something to focus on and puts me on the right track in life.”

Nearly 5,000 runners are expected to converge in downtown Providence, May 3 take part in the 2009 Cox Providence Rhode Races. This unique event features the Cox Sports Marathon, Willow Tree Half Marathon and a 5k race. To register visit: www.CoxRhodeRaces.com. The deadline to register online is Wednesday, April 29 at midnight.

Cox Communications is the Title Sponsor of the Cox Providence Rhode Races. Johnson & Wales University is the Premiere Sponsor. Charitable partners include Cox Charities New England, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training and National Kidney Foundation.

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6 million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services in partnership with Sprint (NYSE: S). Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel.

About Eident Sports Marketing
Eident Sports is a full-service event management and sports marketing company based in Providence, Rhode Island. Eident has several properties in the region, ranging from turn-key sporting events to sponsorship sales alliances with key partners. For more information on Eident’s events and offerings, please visit www.eidentsports.com

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