FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Anne Pickard, 619.889.0671, [email protected]
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Phillip Rivers’ 5K Draws Crowd of 7,000
San Diego Chargers Quarterback hosts race to support local foster children;
Luis De La Vega dashes to victory for the second year in a row
San Diego – The third annual Philip Rivers 5K Walk and Fun Run presented by EDCO, drew a crowd
estimated at more than 7,000 with 4,000 participating in the race held earlier today at NTC Park in
Liberty Station.
Luis De La Vega, age 26, won the race for the second time with a time of 16 minutes, 14 seconds
(16:14). The top female finisher was Mercy Ray, age 30, with a time of 17 minutes, 48 seconds
(17:48). Philip Rivers finished the race at 26 minutes and 10 seconds (26:10), shaving one minute off
his time from the previous year.
“My wife, Tiffany, and I are overwhelmed by all of the support shown by San Diegans,” said Rivers.
“The turn out today far exceeded our expectations. We understand that not everyone can adopt a
child or donate money. But, everyone can tell someone about these children that need forever
homes.”
The race benefited several local foster care and adoption agencies through Philip Rivers and his wife
Tiffany’s Rivers of Hope Foundation. Since its creation in 2010, the Rivers of Hope Foundation has
granted more than one million to local foster care organizations (not including funds from today’s
race).
Rivers received support from several current Chargers who attended today’s race including: Jacques
Cesaire, Jeromey Clary, Antonio Garay, Nick Hardwick, Jacob Hester, Nate Kaeding, Corey Lynch,
Le'Ron McClain, Nick Novak, Eric Weddle, and Charlie Whitehurst.
The overall top finishers included:
Male1st place Luis De La Vega (16:14)
2nd place Leon Medina (16:34)
3rd place Juan Mendoza (16:38)
Female1st place Mercy Ray (17:48)
2nd place Jennifer Perrottet (17:59)
3rd place Maggie Paola (19:16)
For a complete race recap, including top finishers in each age category, please visit
www.PhilipRivers5K.com.
For more information on the Rivers of Hope Foundation, please visit: www.PhilipRivers.com.
About the Rivers of Hope Foundation:
The Rivers of Hope Foundation was founded in 2010 with a mission to help children in need of a forever family
find permanent loving homes and their own sense of self-worth by developing and coordinating resources and
programs to create community awareness, recruit adoptive families, provide financial aid for adoption and
assistance for foster children and orphans. Since its inception, the Rivers of Hope Foundation has committed to
over one million dollars to charities and organizations including Promises 2 Kids, Angels Foster Family Network,
San Pasqual Academy, Voices For Children, Whispering Winds, Home Start, Just in Time and San Diego County
Adoptions' Heart Gallery. They have also formed several programs that help enhance foster children's life
experiences including the Rivers of Hope Birthday Club and the Rivers of Hope Something Special Fund. 100%
of the Philip Rivers off field revenue goes directly to the foundation. Rivers personally covers all
administrations costs, therefore 100% of individual donations return to charities. For more information about
the Rivers of Hope Foundation, please visit the foundation website at www.PhilipRivers.com.
About EDCO:
EDCO is a Family Owned & Locally Operated waste collection and recycling company, serving numerous communities in
Southern California since 1967. The EDCO family of companies specialize in offering integrated, user-friendly waste
removal and recycling programs to serve residential homes, multi-family properties, commercial businesses, multitenant buildings, industrial centers, construction sites, and community events. EDCO has been the presenting sponsor
for the Philip Rivers 5k Walk and Fun Run since its inception.
About Integrated Sports Marketing
Integrated Sports Marketing (ISM) was established in 1999 and founded the Drew Brees Celebrity
Championship (formerly titled Celebrity Classic hosted by Stan Humphries). The firm also manages the
Philip Rivers 5K, the Stephen Strasburg 5K with Tony Gwynn and Darren Sproles 5K. ISM has become
one of the premiere sports marketing companies in San Diego, specializing in event management,
operations and marketing. For more information regarding Integrated Sports Marketing, visit the
company's website at www.ismsports.net.
- ISM -