Hurricanes 5K brings runners, fans together

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes hosted their inaugural Blue 5K run sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and assisted by Raleigh Orthopaedic outside PNC Arena on Sunday.

With the Hurricanes training camp on-ice schedule to begin on Thursday, many players were on hand and introduced by television play-by-play announcer John Forslund to the applause and cheers of the 650 participants of all ages who were in attendance.

Divided into six different age group categories, runners and walkers alike followed a winding and sloping course that started in the South Plaza, followed the circulator road around the arena parking lot that then led them out towards Trinity and Blue Ridge Roads before circling everyone back along Westchase Road and to the finish line on the South Plaza.

“We’re very happy with the turnout we had today,” said Doug Warf, vice president of marketing and executive director of the Kids ‘n Community Foundation.

“In addition to encouraging a healthy lifestyle, this event signals the start of training camp – something great to share with our fans.”

The concept for the event was originally conceived and originated by team head athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach Peter Friesen and his wife in 2006 as a rallying and philanthropic event for the team and its fans following their Stanley Cup championship win that year.

“We are happy to continue a tradition started by Pete and Shelley Friesen that encourages a core team initiative, a healthy and active life,” continued Warf.

Prizes were awarded to the top three overall finishers in each category and included the race’s overall winner, Chad Ware, receiving two 12-game plans for the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

The 28-year-old Ware finished the 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) course at an efficient pace of 15 minutes and 53 seconds, just under two minutes ahead of the next closest competitor.

According to Warf, proceeds from this year’s event to benefit the Kids n’ Community Foundation would near the $28,000 mark.