01:00 AM EST on Tuesday, December 21, 2004

BY CAROLYN THORNTON
Journal Sports Writer

For the last three years, the CVS/pharmacy Downtown 5K has determined the top male runner in the country at that distance.

Next year, it will also determine the top American female.

Race officials for the Downtown 5K announced late last week that USA Track & Field has selected the Providence event to host the 2005 USA Women's 5K National Championship, next Sept. 11.

It will mark the first time that both the men's and women's 5K national championships will be contested at the same race.

"What this means now is that our race is a very viable event for both men and women," said longtime race director Charlie Breagy. "I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a great atmosphere to have all the best American runners in the country here. It should be inspiring."

The Downtown 5K, soon to celebrate its 16th year, is Rhode Island's largest road race, attracting several thousand runners each fall. In addition to the 5K, which features a hugely popular corporate team competition, the event hosts a series of children's races with 19 age categories, as well as a 3K Inspirational Run for high school teams.

Olympian Tim Broe was crowned this year's U.S. 5K champion in Providence, but also won the men's overall title, becoming the first American to do so since John Gregorek captured the 1990 title at the event's inaugural race.

Even though it has not hosted the women's national championship until now, the Downtown 5K has still attracted a number of world-class female runners over the years, including two-time defending champion and Irish Olympian Marie (McMahon) Davenport; U.S. Olympians Amy Rudolph, Lynn Jennings (a four-time winner here), Judi St. Hilaire and recently-crowned Olympic marathon bronze medalist Deena Kastor, as well as South African Elana Meyer, who set a world record en route to winning the 1996 Downtown 5K crown.

Along with the announcement regarding the national championships, CVS/pharmacy presented 39 local charities, schools and athletic programs with a total of $100,000 raised from this year's CVS/pharmacy Downtown 5K.

"The CVS/pharmacy Downtown 5K provides us with the opportunity to benefit our community in a number of ways," said race chairman Jack Kramer. "It brings world-class athletic competition to Rhode Island, promotes health and fitness to young and old, and raises money for some very worthy local organizations."

Complete details about next year's race will be determined in the coming months.