Bobby Doyle Five-Miler Less Than A Month Away


Great course, great cause, great competition.

Those are three good reasons to sign up for the 11th annual Bobby Doyle Summer Classic.

The popular five-mile event, which starts and finishes at Narragansett High (RI) on South Pier Road, will be held on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. Each and every year this race attracts top-notch competition and an average of 400-500 runners to the starting line, and it's expected to be status quo next month.

Just like last year, the race will take place on the original and faster five-mile route. It's a course that is not only susceptible to fast times, but offers runners a scenic view of Rhode Island picturesque shoreline. In last year's event, Brian Harvey broke from the pack early and went on to post a quick time of 24 minutes, 17 seconds on the out-and-back course. Salome Kosgei was the top finisher among women, placing 29th overall in 28:13.

The race offers a total cash purse of $6,300 with the winners taking home an $800 paycheck. In addition to distributing cash prizes in five different categories, the Bobby Doyle Summer Classic will award a free pair of running shoes from Rhode Runner Sports to the top high school finishers, the King and Queen of the Roads. All 50 states are eligible in this category.

Here's the kicker and the primary reason for this race. Proceeds from the five-miler will support the Bobby Doyle Scholarships and Youth Running Fund, which are devoted to enhancing and supporting high school and youth running in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The race awards two $1,500 scholarships to a male and female high school student based on athletic and academic performances. It also gives out two $1,000 scholarships for a male and female high school student who is a sibling of a police officer, firefighter or military. If that's not enough, it also awards the Hollie Walton $1,000 Scholarship to a minority student based on his'her academic and athletic achievements. In the last eight years, the race has donated more than $50,000!!!

Don't miss out on this great event, which is less than a month away. Click HERE for more information and to register for the Bobby Doyle Summer Classic.