Runners from across New Jersey will hit the ground running this Sunday, March 29^th at the 11^th Annual Ocean Drive Marathon.   The marathon will start at 9:00 a.m. at Ocean Drive, in Cape May City.  Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is a gold level sponsor of the 2009 Marathon.

The marathon is organized by the Ocean Drive Run Club and supports the following organizations:

• The Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County
• The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey 
• The Marine Mammal Stranding Center
• High Schools in Cape May County 

“The Ocean Drive Marathon is a great event that raises funds for well deserving organizations, including The Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County whom we support independently as they provide critical health care to thousands of uninsured individuals,” said Thomas Rubino, Esq., Director, Public Affairs, Corporate Marketing and Communications, Horizon BCBSNJ.  “We encourage families to come out and support this great event.”

A weekend of activity kicks off on Saturday, March 28 with a free public fitness exposition at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  At the exposition, guests can register for the race, speak to professionals about healthy living and lifestyle management, purchase the latest in runners gear, and take home reading material. 

Races begin on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.  Race participants have the choice of running in a 26.2 mile marathon, 10-mile race, 5K race or non-competitive 1.5-mile Promenade Fun Run. To learn more about participating in the 11^th Annual Ocean Drive Marathon, please visit www.odmarathon.org.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the oldest and largest health insurer in the state serving over 3.6 million members. Horizon BCBSNJ is New Jersey's only not-for-profit, health services corporation and is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. 

Horizon BCBSNJ provides a broad array of health and dental insurance products and services for individuals and small and large companies, including national companies headquartered in New Jersey.  Horizon BCBSNJ is committed to improving the health care experience for all the communities we serve as well as helping our members become and stay healthy.

Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.