NEWPORT NEWS, VA — On Saturday, June 4, 2011, Icelandic® USA hosted its 2nd annual Icelandic Seafood Fest 8K Run at their company campus in Oakland Industrial Park, Newport News, VA. This family friendly, Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event, featured a One Mile Fun Run, an 8K Race, plus a delicious and healthy seafood dinner sponsored by Bonefish Grill™, Michelob Ultra and Redhook Shock Top beer provided by M. Price Distributing Co. and Bass Ale provided by Tri-Cities Beverage.
The 2010 inaugural race boasted 935 entrants in its first year. As anticipated, this year’s race grew with 1,040 entrants. Participants along with 90 corporate and local sponsors, over 200 volunteers and guests raised $ 75,000 for three vital causes; The American Heart Association, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Association, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease and the Shelby M. Blevins Educational Trust.
The Oakland Industrial Park, just six miles east of Busch Gardens®, where the race took place, is a park-like setting that features lush lawns and numerous trees. The course is a wide four-lane road that is completely flat and is a USATF Certified Course. For those not participating in the run/walk there was live music by Ultimate Sounds with DJ Mark Phillips, an Expo Village featuring local businesses and event sponsors and, a Kids’ Fun Zone with clowns, inflatables, balloons and games. Door prizes for the participants and raffle prizes were provided by sponsors.
The after party following the race included a tasty dinner by Bonefish GrillTM. On the menu was their famous Bang Bang Shrimp, Caesar salad, garlic crumb dusted Icelandic® Haddock. U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) attended the race, after party festivities and addressed event attendees.
The top three men and women runners/walkers in the 8K were awarded a monetary prize in addition to a trophy to commemorate the win. Awards were also given to the top three males and females in the five-year age groups from age 14 and under and the 65 and over age group. All who finish the One Mile Fun Run received a finisher ribbon.
Ed Moran of Williamsburg, VA, won the 8K Run with the best overall men’s time of 23:56. Ed is a Gold Medalist in 2007 Pan American Games in 5000 meters and the 2010 USATF 10km champion. Jennifer Quarles also of Williamsburg, VA, won the 8K Run with the best overall women’s time of 32:02. Jennifer is a 6- time champion of the annual Colonial Road Runner’s Grand Prix Series.
Scott Stakes of Portsmouth, VA won the 8K Walk with the best overall men’s time of 51:38 and Dawn Heyse of Williamsburg, VA won the 8K Walk with the best overall women’s time of 1:01:49.
Ævar Agnarsson, CEO of Icelandic® USA says of the event, “The Icelandic Seafood Fest 8K Run is very important to us at Icelandic®, and serves multiple purposes. First, we wanted to create a health initiative for our company and community that would in turn, give back to families in the area. We also wanted to commemorate two very dear long time members of our Icelandic® family, who passed away Susan Smith Blevins and Dr. Carl D. Decker, by raising funds for three great causes in their memory.”
About Icelandic® USA
Icelandic® USA, Inc. is based in Newport News, Virginia. The company has been a recognized leader for over 60 years of innovation and quality in the seafood industry. Icelandic® specializes in the production and distribution of frozen fish fillets and value-added processed seafood products in North America. The company offers both foodservice (restaurants, schools etc.) and retail/club store channels innovative seafood solutions and vast global sourcing capabilities. For more information, visit www.icelandic.com for foodservice, www.icelandicseafood.com for consumers, or call 1-800-ICELANDIC.
Source: Icelandic® USA