BACKGROUND

The Bucks 5k Series is a non profit organization that facilitates & coordinates a series of 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) road races. These races all raise money for worthy causes, provide wholesome family activities & improve the physical fitness of our communities. The Series includes seven races, all in the spring & all in central Bucks County. The all volunteer Board of Directors includes the Directors of each of the seven races, plus others from the running & business community. There is no paid staff & all funds raised stay locally. The race is open from everyone from competitive runners to beginners.

All proceeds from the 2008 Doylestown Red, White & Blue 5 k will benefit the Doylestown Business Community Alliance, Bucks 4 Kids and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. We are actively seeking event sponsors and hope to raise over $10,000 in sponsorship.

In 2007, the entire Series earned $99,000 for non profit organizations. In 2007, 3,400 runners entered the races & competed for the overall championship & for awards in 14 age groups Each of the seven races gives first, second and third place awards in the 5 year age groups, with the overall male and female and the top age graded male and female master racers recognized. The overall Series winners were recognized as the "Best of Bucks."

The male/female ratio was 50/50. Series events also include 1 mile fun runs & 2 mile health walks. For 13 years, runners have recognized the unique quality of seven race series, the only one of its kind in the region. Runners enjoy the high quality of the finish line & scoring, the safety of the courses, the post race festivities & the camaraderie of the running community

This year, the Series has partnered with Panera Bread. As a result of Panera being the New Title Sponsor, the race Series has been renamed the Panera Bread Bucks 5k Series. Panera Bread's financial commitment will help the series raise additional funds for the 7 non profits that we support. "We are very excited to welcome Panera Bread to our races," said Dick Patterson, president of the all volunteer Board of Directors that oversee the event. "Thirteen must be a lucky number for us because we are confident Panera's support will help take our great series to the next Levin in 2008."

Panera Bread has three bakery cafes in Bucks County, in addition to the Warrington Village Square location; there are locations on Street Rod in Feasterville & Lincoln Highway in Levittown. A fourth bakery café will open in Bensalem in 2008. "Community is very important to use," said Tammy Dwyer, director of marketing for Panera Bread. "We are very proud to do our part to help promote healthy lifestyles & to support he organizations that do so much for Bucks County residents."

New this year in the Doylestown 5k is the 5k is a Run/WALK. The race is open to walker and runners. This gives walkers the opportunity to get a little more exercise than a 2 mile walk. The course is officially certified by the US Track & Field Association. For the first time all the races will feature the ChampionChip timing and scoring system. In addition, this year's custom moisture wicking shirt will be a long sleeve version. These special shirts are awarded to runners who pre register for all seven races.