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New timing system; field limited to 15,000; award categories doubled; ushers in New Era as Iowa's "Streets of Dreams"
DAVENPORT, Iowa - (April 11, 2007) - Officials with the Quad-City Times Bix 7 have announced a new sponsor and a change in the timing and size of the event that will result in the most revolutionary changes to the race in over 25 years. The 33rd annual race will be held on Saturday, July 28th in the streets of Davenport.
Joining the Bix 7 family is Swiss Valley Farms, a farmer-owned dairy cooperative based in Davenport. With Swiss Valley's addition comes its sponsorship of the chip-timing system which will ensure that every participant receives an accurate time in both the main race and the Lee Enterprises' Quick Bix.
Chips are attached to a runner's shoelaces and are activated and deactivated by crossing mats at the start and finish lines. This change means that runners' actual running time starts when they reach the start mat and also means that runners will encounter a smoother finishing area since chutes will no longer be needed.
To accommodate the availability of the chips, the race will need to cap entries at 15,000 for this first year. It is very important for runners and walkers to sign up as soon as possible to secure their position in this year's race. You have to go as far back as 1988 to find a time when the Bix 7 had less than 15,000 participants.
Not since 1980, when the event went over the 1,000 mark for the first time, and 1981, when a completely new timing system was introduced, has the race undergone such important changes.
"We are very excited to change to the chip timing system, which provides a more accurate time for each participant's performance and eliminates the need for runners and walkers to wait in the finishing chutes while we tabulate their finishing times," said Ed Froehlich, now entering his 28th year as the race director.
"Another benefit of the new timing system is that it allows us to expand our age categories to five-year increments," Froehlich continued. "This doubles the number of awards we are able to give, recognizing the outstanding performances of the Bix 7 participants.
"It truly is going to be a revolutionary and outstanding year for the Quad-City Times Bix 7. These changes will add to the high level of enjoyment people have come to expect from the Bix 7 events."
For more information or to register, go to: Bix7.com.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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