Pre-Competition Drug Testing and Race-Day Testing at All Five PRRO Circuit Events
WASHINGTON, D.C. - (February 17, 2016) - This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the PRRO Circuit's commitment to a zero-tolerance drug policy. As part of the leading road race series' policy, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will conduct pre-competition drug testing in addition to race day testing at all five PRRO events.
"PRRO Circuit races have led the way in promoting a clean sport by conducting drug testing at all our events for the past decade. It's something that sets us apart from other road races. We're dedicated to the development of elite runners by providing significant prize money, world class competition and a clean sport environment," said Don Kardong, PRRO President.
The PRRO Circuit, a long-time pioneer and champion of a clean sport, has been conducting drug testing at events since 2006. During the 2014-15 season, USADA conducted more than 50 in-competition tests and an undisclosed number of pre-competition tests.
PRRO Circuit events also do not provide either travel or lodging to athletes who have had a major drug suspension, even after they are eligible to compete again.
ABOUT #PRROcircuit
The PRRO Circuit offers world class competition at 5 prestigious road race events shorter than the marathon distance, with $400,000 in prize money and bonuses. The newly added EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler kicked off the 2015-16 series on Sunday, Oct. 25, and the World's Best 10K on Sunday, Feb. 28 opens the 2016 racing season.
PRRO Circuit 2015-16
EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, Oct. 25, 2015, Pittsburgh, PA
$26,200 in prize money. Elite athlete contact: Ryan Hogan, (412) 586-7785, :ryan.hogan@p3r.org. 2015 Men's winner: Tyler Pennel, USA, 46:50, course record, and Women's winner: Buze Diriba, Ethiopia, 52:55, course record
World's Best 10K, Feb. 28, 2016, San Juan, Puerto Rico
More than $120,000 in prize money and bonuses. Elite athlete contact: Rafael Acosta, (787) 767-2000, :rafael.acosta@wb10k.com. 2015 Men's winner: Sammy Kirop Kitwara, Kenya, 28:51 and Women's winner: Belaynesh Oljira, Ethiopia, 31:57
Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile, April 3, 2016, Washington, DC.
$70,000 in prize money and bonuses. Elite athlete contact: Bill Orr, (863) 533-0654, borr@cherryblossom.org. 2015 Men's winner: Stephen Sambu, Kenya, 43:20 and Women's winner: Mary Wacera, Kenya, 48:35
40th Lilac Bloomsday Run 12K, May 1, 2016, Spokane, WA
$81,000 in prize money. Elite athlete contact: Jon Neill, (509) 747-0101,jhneill@eahjlaw.co. 2015 Men's winner: Lani Rutto, Kenya, 34:22 and Women's winner: Cynthia Limo, Kenya, 39:27
Boilermaker 15K: The PRRO Championship, July 10, 2016, Utica, NY
$63,600 in prize money. Elite athlete contact: Dick Mattia, 315-732-1949, dick@boilermaker.com. 2015 Men's winner: Eliud Ngetich, Kenya, 43:31 and Women's winner: Mary Wacera, Kenya, 48.49
Visit PRRO.org for more information, including how to join the PRRO Circuit.