Baptist Health South Florida Becomes Marathon Medical Sponsor
Baptist Health South Florida has entered into an agreement with US Road Sports & Entertainment of Florida to serve as the official medical sponsor of the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon®.
Baptist Health will provide all medical support for the 2012 race, which will be run January 29 through the streets of Miami, Miami Beach and Coconut Grove and also will be the official title sponsor of the Athletes with Disabilities division.
Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals from Baptist Health South Florida -- which includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Mariners Hospital as well as Baptist Medical Plazas -- will be available at the Start and Finish lines as well as the numerous aid stations throughout the course to assist participating athletes.
The partnership also covers the other South Florida events produced by USRS - the Miami Beach 13.1 Marathon®, the Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon, the Fort Lauderdale 13.1 Marathon®, and the Run Miami Turkey Trot.
"We are excited to partner with Baptist Health South Florida, represented by two of their leading physicians, Dr. Thinh Tran, Corporate Vice President and Chief Medical & Quality Officer and Dr. Thomas San Giovanni, Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine orthopedic surgeon, which will serve as co-medical directors for the partnership," said Dave Scott, General Manager of US Road Sports & Entertainment of Florida and Race Director of the Miami Marathon. "Baptist Health's desire to be a part of all of our events in South Florida certainly proves their commitment to healthy lifestyles and the overall wellness of our community. The growth of our event parallels the growth of Baptist Health and the healthcare they are providing to South Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America."
Doctors, nurses and athletic trainers will be on-hand at over 20 first aid stations along the course, in addition to having a full medical staff at the finish line. From delivering first aid on scrapes and bruises, to complete care of athletes with more serious injuries, Baptist Health is prepared to provide the best medical care for the race.
"It is our honor to serve as the Official Medical Team for the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon® for the first time this year," stated Dr. Tran. "Our medical staff and non-medical volunteer corps is ready to provide the best care for the 25,000+ participants at the race."
The 2012 Miami Marathon race weekend on January 27-29 will be host to the largest running event in South Florida history with 25,000 runners for the Marathon and Half Marathon, 5,000 middle school children participating the ING Run For Something Better program, and 3,000 running in the Publix Tropical 5K on Saturday before the marathon. The race has been noted in Running USA, Runners World and other publications as an event that should be on every runner's bucket list.
The course is widely considered as one of the most scenic in the nation and showcases the diversity of the South Florida community.
Baptist Health will also be presenting at the Nissan Health and Fitness Expo presented by the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center on January 27-28, 2012. The two-day expo is the largest health symposium in South Florida with over 130 booths represented by just about every running shoe and attire manufacturer.
About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Baptist Children's Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization's fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.
About US Road Sports
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.
