5th Annual Run to Home Base Presented by New Balance Set for July 19; Run supports services to help Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and Families Recover from Invisible Wounds of War

Runners will once again experience the thrill of crossing Fenway Park’s home plate while supporting Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and their families in the Fifth Annual Run to Home Base Presented by New Balance, taking place July 19.

New Balance President & CEO Rob DeMartini joined leaders from the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, runners, veterans and their families, and NESN anchor Tom Caron at the New Balance Boston store this afternoon to announce the date for this year’s run, celebrate its fifth anniversary and commemorate New Balances’ fifth straight year as presenting sponsor of the event. 

Event participants and sponsors have raised more than $9 million to support the Home Base Program’s efforts to help Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and families heal the invisible wounds of war – post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury – through clinical care, education and research, since the Red Sox Foundation introduced the event in 2010.

“With American troops on the ground in every corner of the world, it is critically important that we remember and do everything we can to help these brave service men and women and their families,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “With New Balance’s support, this wonderful fundraiser will serve as a community-wide opportunity to thank these courageous warriors for everything they have done, and continue to do, for our country.”

Event organizers also unveiled new fundraising incentives and information for this year’s run including:

·          The first 50 participants to raise $5,000 by March 1 will receive two tickets to Red Sox opening day and the 2013 World Series Championship Ring Ceremony on April 4

·          Participants who raise between $1,250 and $5,000 by June 9 will receive “to be announced” prizes and Red Sox tickets

·          Participants who refer friends to the Run will be entered into a drawing for 2014 Green Monster tickets

·          Runners who register prior to May 15 will have a lower fundraising minimum of $750; all others must raise at least $1,000.

·          The fundraising minimum for adult walkers is $250.

·          Participant age limit is 14 years old. Younger children can also walk if accompanied by a full fundraising adult and must only raise a minimum of $125.

“We recognize how vital the efforts of these brave service members and veterans have been in protecting the freedom and safety of everything we hold dear,” said New Balance President and CEO Rob DeMartini. “As a Boston-based company and official military apparel and footwear provider, we are extremely proud to return as presenting sponsor for the fifth year and look forward to welcoming runners and walkers to Fenway Park this July.”

New Balance is currently the only major domestic athletic shoe manufacturer, assembling one-fourth of all shoes sold in the United States at five factories in Massachusetts and Maine. The global athletic shoe and apparel maker has sponsored the Run every year since its inception.

“As U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan come to a close, it is more important than ever that we not forget the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our military service members, veterans and their families during these long wars, especially those who are challenged by the invisible wounds of war,”  said Brigadier General (Ret.) Jack  Hammond, Executive Director of Home Base. “The support of Run to Home Base participants and sponsors has enabled Home Base to provide world class care to heal these wounds and enable veterans and families to recover.”

Event registration and information is available at www.runtohomebase.org. All donations towards runners are tax deductible and benefit the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program. Donations via check can be sent to the Red Sox Foundation/Home Base Program, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston MA 02215. Participation in the 2014 event is limited to 4,000 entrants. The 9K Run is 5.6 miles. Military applications open on January 21, and up to 500 full-time active duty military can enter the Run for just a $50 registration fee.

Other official Run sponsors include: BAE Systems, Bank of America, New England Sports Network, Poland Spring, the 1st LT Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund, Philips, The Boston Globe, Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill, Corvias Group, Corvias Foundation, Aramark, John Hancock, Boston Duck Tours and WAAF, Boston’s rock station.

Fundraising prizes will be given to Run participants in several categories. For information on corporate sponsorships, please contact Gena Borson at the Red Sox Foundation (617-226-6614, Gborson@redsox.com) or Tracy West at Massachusetts General Hospital (617-643-6789, tawest@partners.org).

Race consulting for the 2014 Run to Home Base Presented by New Balance is provided by DMSE, Inc., with fundraising, website design and operations provided by Forte Interactive, Inc. The Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital thank Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for their expert event assistance.