Mercedes Benz Corporate Run 2015

History

The Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series is an institution in South Florida and is one of the largest 5K races in the nation. It's hard to believe it began in 1985 as part of the Manufacturers Hanover Corporate Challenge race series. Drawing in local runners who were hooked on the benefits of running and keeping fit. Way back then, there were just a few people that ran 5Ks or marathons and you could count on one hand the companies that had health and wellness programs for their employees. Though the first Miami Corporate Challenge had just 1, 315 participants, local runners now had a fun event that they could share with their co-workers and participation grew exponentially over time. In 2015, Miami alone drew 27, 601 participants and over 888 companies.

TeamFootWorks, the producers of the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series, is proud of the changes and growth of the event throughout its history. The Series broke the 10, 000 participant mark in 1994 and surpassed 20, 000 participants just three short years later in 1997 and 30, 000 in 2013! The Series continues to grow drawing 33, 593 in 2014 and 36, 643 in 2015.

Company Party

South Florida employees will tell you the fun times with co-workers at the Corporate Run were better than the company's annual holiday party. Companies go "all out" when planning their Corporate Run celebration. Fun, healthy food, good drink, company T-shirts, and tent decorations are all part of the race night experience. Many corporations invite companies they do business with (or would like to do business with) to their tent for post-race refreshments! The fun, healthy atmosphere always breeds good times as employees join together in what is billed as the country's "Largest Office Party".

Healthy Message

The purpose of the Corporate Run Series is to promote running and walking as a means to a fit, healthy lifestyle for people from all walks of corporate life. Media sponsors help us foster community interest in the benefits of fitness and camaraderie in the workplace, and encourage public participation throughout a diverse community. A healthy employee makes a healthy company!

Studies show that workers who exercise have fewer sick days and maintain a higher level of energy during the day. They are more productive in their work. We believe that for every dollar spent on our health and fitness programs, three dollars are saved on health care costs. Also, it adds value by improving employee health and morale. Perhaps no other single event has aroused the health consciousness of South Florida's corporate executives as much as the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series.

These days a growing number of local companies are showing their commitment to physical fitness by installing gyms and hiring exercise instructors. People can see personal improvements resulting from simple fitness programs, such as walking or running short distances regularly. These fitness programs provide employees with a better outlook on life and helps them gain confidence. Representatives from TeamFootWorks are invited to company health expos and wellness centers to present employees with different fitness program options. Companies understand that sometimes people need a little push to become involved in fitness and the Corporate Run Series provides that push!

The Series

The Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series is made up of 3 individual 5K road races that are held in the evening during the work week (Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach & Miami). The Series spans a period of 30 days. Each Race offers unique opportunities to communicate not only with 1, 200 South Florida companies, but with every tier of employees and over 350 CEOs. All full and part-time employees are welcomed to participate, from the mailroom staff to the CEO. All levels of fitness are welcomed too. Beginners and walkers participate in the event, taking as much time as needed to complete the 3.1 mile course while competitive runners have the opportunity to shine amongst their co-workers and perhaps lead their corporate team to victory!

Companies compete for top honors in 20 different industry categories. Awards go to the overall male, female, and mixed teams. The top male, female, and mixed team in each of the categories receives medals. Awards are also given for the T-Shirt Contest winners and the largest team.