PPIR set as location for new Mega 5K, slated for August 12

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, August 10, 2012 (Press-News.org) Bigwig Races, a Colorado Springs based producer of top-notch 5K and 10K races, announced details of the new Mega 5K race planned for August 12 at Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) in Fountain, Colorado.

"We're excited about this new race that will be held on a real race track that NASCAR races have been held on," said Curtis Claar, co-founder and Sponsor Relations Manager for Bigwig Races. "Hopefully there will be a lot on personal record times this year."

"We've seen an increased interest this year in the facility for use in endurance events and adventure runs," said Paul Jensen, PPIR Track Manager. "So far, the Mega 5K is the only one that is being held entirely on the oval loop previously used for races in the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the NASCAR Busch series." The course will be laid out on the bib, or flat parts of the track, not the steep banked portions required for high-speed auto racing.

The course used for the Mega 5K has been professionally measured and is being certified by USATF, the national governing association for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. The purpose of the USATF course certification program is to produce road race courses of accurately measured distances. For any road running performance to be accepted as a record or be nationally ranked, it must be run on a USATF-certified course. In addition, the certification program is very important to the average road racer, as well as those of exceptional speed. Most runners like to compare performances run on different courses, and such comparisons are difficult if course distances are not reliable. No one can truly establish a personal best if the course distance is not accurate.

"We don't want runners to be frustrated by a course that is a little too long or a little too short," Claar said. "Using a certified course for all our races ensures a quality experience for all participants."

Immediately following the awards ceremony in the in-field area of the track, participants will be able to watch several NASCAR stock cars circle the track as a part of the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience, which allows people to drive and ride in NASCAR stock cars. For details on ride-along opportunities, visit racewithrusty.com

The Mega 5K is open to serious runners, walkers, teens, and families alike. Age group and overall winners will be announced. Complete race information and registration for the race is available at Mega5K.com

About Pikes Peak International Raceway
Pikes Peak International Raceway is a premier, participant-based motorsports facility located just minutes from Colorado Springs and less than two-hours flying time from nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population. PPIR, the "Exhilaration Destination", is the hub for all things automotive and the place to push the envelope on your motorsports expectations. PPIR reopened in 2008 after being purchased by business partners John Molloy, Guy Kathe and Bob Brockway. The Owner's goal is to create a motorsports community that encompasses all aspects that appeal to the motorsports industry. Steeped in tradition, PPIR is using its distinguished motorsports pedigree as a springboard to become something more. PPIR's Exhilaration Destination encompasses many different driving experiences, race schools and a welcome environment for businesses in the motorsports community. Plans are also in the works for new road courses, racecar storage and private trackside garages. Complete information on the facility is available by calling (719) 382-7223 or by visiting ppir.com

About Rusty Wallace Racing Experience
The opportunity to create a personal adrenaline filled moment that few people will ever experience in their lifetime is something we aspire to at the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience. The winning formula consists of a successful business man and a NASCAR champion like Rusty Wallace, then partner with a company that actually creates the speed like TRIAD Racing Technologies with custom built engines for racing in all forms of motorsports and you have created the formula for a winning spirit. Both Rusty and TRIAD are used to winning and have a passion for racing that we want to share with you personally. Our goal is to provide the novice to the most knowledgeable race fan with an authentic racing experience they will never forget. Complete information is available at racewithrusty.com

Bigwig Races LLC was formed to create valuable sponsorship and promotional opportunities for businesses of all sizes by professionally producing 5K and 10K races. The Bigwig Races model ensures that every race is effective, both as a promotional vehicle and as a competitive sporting event to support community fitness. We leverage years of experience in advertising, publishing, process improvement, accounting, sales, event planning, and project management. Our principals also enjoy running in local and regional races and have participated in hundreds of races, some as a sponsored athlete. Complete information about Bigwig Races is available by calling (719) 362-3306 or by visiting bigwigraces.com