Corrigan Sports Enterprises (CSE) announced today that the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) has once again committed to be to the title sponsor of the Frederick Running Festival. The 2008 version of the event will take place on May 3-4 at the Frederick Fairgrounds, which is new for this year. CareFirst is also the title sponsor of the popular Baltimore Half-Marathon.

"The Frederick Running Festival was and continues to be a great event for Frederick and the surrounding communities. As a health care company, we are proud to support efforts that promote active, healthy lifestyles," said Gregory A. Devou, CareFirst executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "There is something for everyone - from the spirited spectator to the most experienced runner - during this event and we are excited to be part of it again."

"CareFirst was one of the main reasons why the event was able to grow last year," commented Lee Corrigan, president of CSE. "Their continued commitment to healthy living and general wellness gives them great incentive to be an active partner in growing the event."

The sixth annual Frederick Running Festival features fives races: marathon, half-marathon, four-person relay, twilight 5K, and the new kids' fun run. There will also be a Health and Fitness Expo which will serve as the place for registration and packet pick-up.

The 2007 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Frederick Marathon Weekend saw an event record 3,200 people pre-register. Among the highlights were Michael Wardian breaking the World Record for fastest marathon while pushing a stroller and Dane Rauschenberg starting last in the field and earning money for each runner he passed along the way as part of the Ferris, Baker Watts Charity Chaser Program. In the end, Rauschenberg raised $4,000 for the United Way of Frederick County.

Registration for the 2008 event is up 149 percent compared to this time last year. A total of 1,224 runners have signed up thus far, nearly half of which are for the half-marathon - an increase of 150 percent. In addition, 427 people are registered for the full marathon, a 252 percent increase from the same date in 2007. CSE expects an event-record of more than 4,000 runners to take part in the running festival.

About CSE:
Corrigan Sports Enterprises is a leader in sports promotions in the Baltimore/Washington, DC region. Founded in 1991, CSE owns and operates the following events: Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival, The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Frederick Running Festival, The Charm City Challenge, The Capital Classic All-Star Basketball Game, the Toyota Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, The Under Armour All-America Lacrosse Classic, and the annual Baltimore BikeJam Pro Cycling event.

About CareFirst:
In its 71st year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to more than 3.2 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety, and quality of health care throughout its market areas.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Frederick Marathon Web site