It’s time for the 15th Annual Wrigley Start Early Run! Chicagoans step out and show their support for children and families

Proceeds Benefit Prevent Child Abuse America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO (March 8, 2012) – On Saturday, April 21, thousands of Chicagoans will shake off the chill of winter to step out in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month and our nation’s children. The 15th Annual Wrigley Start Early Run will feature 5K and 10K chip-timed and fun runs, a one-mile pledge walk and a kids dash free for children ten and under. It will be held in the Upper Hutchinson Field of Grant Park at Columbus and Balbo.

Proceeds will benefit Prevent Child Abuse America, an organization dedicated to ensuring the healthy development of children nationwide. Our lead partner on the event is Voices for Illinois Children, which champions the full development of every child in Illinois to assure the future well-being of everyone in the state. In addition, at least 19 other child-focused organizations throughout the Chicagoland area will also participate and benefit through pledges, making the run a true community endeavor.

“Every one of us has a role in supporting healthy child development and preventing child abuse and neglect,” said Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO James M. Hmurovich. “Participating in the Wrigley Start Early Run not only increases public awareness of this issue, but indicates that Chicagoans are committed to this cause, and are interested in supporting a bigger vision for our country... one that is filled with happy children who can enjoy their childhood. I am very appreciative of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company’s ongoing sense of corporate social responsibility.”

Interested runners or walkers are encouraged to register on-line by noon on April 18 here. Walk-ins are also welcome on race day, however no race day registration will be available for chip-timed runners.
NBC Channel 5 Sports Anchor Mike Adamle will emcee the event, in which up to 3,000 participants will become a part of the effort to change the way that we, as a nation, value our children. A variety of kid-friendly activities, including appearances from the Berenstain Bears, a sports mascot, and a kids’ area with bounce houses and games, also will make the event a fun experience for the entire family.

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is once again serving as the event’s title sponsor. Additional support being provided by Verizon Wireless, Best Buy, Fleet Feet Sports Chicago, PNC, Six Flags Great America, Hyatt Regency Riverfront Jacksonville, the Kappa Delta Sorority, R.W. Knudsen Family, 101.9 FM The Mix, 100.3 FM and K-Hits 104.3 FM.


Wrigley Start Early Run & Walk Event Details

WHEN: Saturday, April 21st
7:30a.m. – Registration Opens and Packet Pick-Up
9:00a.m. – 1-Mile ledge Walk
9:15a.m. – 5K Chip-Timed and Fun Run
9:20a.m. – 10K Chip-Timed and Fun Run
Kids Dash starts after the runs are completed

WHERE: Hutchinson Field in Grant Park (Columbus at Balbo)

DETAILS:
Register here.

ABOUT PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AMERICA
Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972 in Chicago, works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide. The organization promotes that vision through a network of chapters in 48 states and over 400 Healthy Families America, home visitation sites in 37 states, the Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada. A major organizational focus is to advocate for the existence of a national policy framework and strategy for children and families while promoting evidence-based practices that prevent abuse and neglect from ever occurring. To learn more about what we’re doing to prevent child abuse and neglect and how you can help, please visit our websites,
here and here.

ABOUT WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
Wrigley is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, and lollipops. The company has operations in more than 40 countries and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Wrigley’s well-loved brands include Extra®, Orbit®, Doublemint®, 5™, Juicy Fruit® and Eclipse® chewing gums, as well as confectionery brands Skittles®, Starburst®, Altoids® and Life Savers®. Wrigley is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and operates as a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience. More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.