Recapping the 23rd year of CVS 5K

The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K kicked off its 23rd year on Sunday, September 16. It is the largest running/walking event in Rhode Island and has races for everyone.

“This is probably the widest range of options for runners in the country. We have 21 youth races including the CVS Caremark All Kids Can race which is very popular,” said race director, Charles Breagy.

In addition to the youth races, there was a 3K for high school students, and the 5K which drew in quite the crowd. Local favorite, Molly Huddle, just returned from the London Olympics and was the women’s winner with a time of 15:30.

“With the Olympics this summer I think a lot of the town was watching so I heard people saying ‘go Molly’ and I run these routes every day so it’s cool,” said Huddle.

Taking the men’s division was Ben True with a time of 13:52. Over the past 23 years the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K has made its mark on the capital city.

“It’s got its own flavor and the city has embraced it and it’s really grown,” said Geoff Smith, two-time Boston marathon winner.

The weather was said to be the best it’s been in the 23 year run and Breagy hopes to have an even greater turnout next year.