Karhu Challenges 5K Runners To "Beat The Bear" Saturday At Flushing Meadows Corona Park

NEW YORK, NY, March 22, 2012 (Press-News.org) Karhu, the official shoe sponsor of the Allstate Life Insurance(SM) 13.1 Marathon , is challenging runners to beat its bear mascot in the Karhu 5K on Saturday at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The first 10 runners who "Beat the Bear" and cross the 5K finish line before the bear, will be presented with a coupon for a FREE pair of Karhu running shoes. Others who finish ahead of the bear will receive a free Karhu T-shirt.

Karhu, which means 'bear' in Finnish, has announced that Brady Becker of Danbury, Conn., will wear the mascot costume during the race. It will be the first time that the avid runner has worn a costume when competing.

The Karhu 5K race will start at 9:05 a.m. on a dedicated course at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Allstate Life Insurance(SM) 13.1 New York half-marathon begins at 9:13 a.m. in front of Arthur Ashe Stadium and continues around the park, which was the site of the 1939 and 1964 World Fairs. The walker and spectator-friendly course will remain open for 3 hours and 30 minutes, a 16 minute/mile pace. The races provide opportunities for serious runners as well as newcomers to the sport for a fun-filled day in the shadows of the USTA National Tennis Center, New York Hall of Science, the Queens Wildlife Center and the Unisphere.

Last year, six runners "Beat the Bear," winning a pair of Karhu shoes for besting the time of Mark Carbone, 37, of Bellerose, N.Y.

Registration is currently open at http://www.131newyork.com. Fees for the 13.1 are $100 walk-up and race week; for the Karhu 5K they are $30 walk-up and race week.

The Allstate Life Insurance(SM) New York 13.1 Marathon is the third in the eight-city Series, which includes races in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and Miami Beach. Connect with the 13.1 Marathon Series via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/131marathon or on Twitter at @131Marathon.

Allstate's presence at the New York race will be highlighted by an interactive footprint at the Finish Line Festival, featuring entertainers, games and interactive experiences. A cool-down station will provide race finishers with bottled water and cool towels, while massage therapists will be available to help alleviate post-race aches and pains of runners.

About Karhu
Born in 1916, KARHU is Finland's legendary running brand. Meaning "bear" in Finnish, KARHU has an authentic heritage in running and a deep connection to the outdoors. KARHU follows the Finnish principles of design simplicity and running purity in providing technical running and outdoor gear for nearly 100 years. KARHU running shoes have been worn on the feet of some of the greatest Finnish runners, including Boston Marathon champion Olavi Suomalainen, and Paavo Nurmi, giving rise to the Flying Finns. Engineering innovative products that collaborate with the foot to convert your body's natural energy into forward momentum through the patented Fulcrum technology, KARHU footwear products are sold globally by running specialty retailers. KARHU is owned by KARHU Holding B.V. and designs, markets and distributes KARHU branded products. For more information about KARHU, visit http://www.karhu.com

US Road Sports & Entertainment Group is a health and wellness company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events. The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city's culture, identity and brand. For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun. US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.