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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Signs with Race 13.1 as Title Sponsor for 23 Statewide Events

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Race 13.1 is pleased to announce that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is now the Title and Presenting Sponsor of every Race 13.1 event in North Carolina through 2016. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Live Fearless Race 13.1 Series is one of the nation's newest half marathon racing series with each event featuring a half marathon and 5k and 10k races.

"A sponsorship with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a natural fit for Race 13.1 because the missions of both organizations emphasize healthy living," said Charlie Mercer, President and COO, Race 13.1. "Whether the focus is health management or disease prevention, we are both committed to promoting active and healthy lifestyle choices in the communities that we serve."

Race 13.1 will produce five events in 2014 and will continue to expand its reach over the next five years. BCBSNC will sponsor all five events this year, as well as eight that are being planned in North Carolina for 2015 and 10 that are being planned within the state for 2016. The five events for 2014 will be held in Greensboro, Raleigh, Fayetteville and Winston-Salem.

"Our 'Live Fearless' campaign encourages North Carolinians to challenge themselves, set and achieve their personal goals," said Reagan Pruitt, director of brand marketing and management for BCBSNC.  "Building on that spirit, Race 13.1 offers varying distance events, from a 5K to a half marathon, presenting first-time runners or trail blazers across the state with the chance to meet their active lifestyle goals."

As part of the sponsorship agreement with BCBSNC, the V Foundation for Cancer Research will be the primary benefiting charity for the races in 2015 and 2016. The organization will receive a portion of the proceeds from the races to support cancer research.

Each of the Race 13.1 events will feature activities and amenities before, during and after the races that cater to the entire family. Some of these include a KidZone, featuring face painting, balloon animals, sign making stations to support a favorite runner, and much more; music; sponsor tents and vendors to interact with and visit; and a finish line party to celebrate with the runners.

For more information about Race 13.1, visit www.race131.com.

About Race 13.1Race 13.1 events are held in mid-sized communities that are traditionally overlooked by larger nationally branded events. Race 13.1 will produce five races in North Carolina in 2014. The 2014 events will be held in Greensboro, Raleigh, Fayetteville and Winston-Salem.

Every race features a course that highlights the best of its host city, drives tourism traffic to local businesses and raises money for a local charity. Race 13.1 benefits entire families and communities – making a positive difference in each of its partnering cities.

About BCBSNCBlue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.84 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.