BETTENDORF, IA - The 41st Anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 again welcomes a full international field, but they will be joined by thousands of visiting bicyclists for the end of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) and new sponsors. Race director Ed Froehlich, in his 36th year, kicked off plans during a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.
Everyone will run, and ride, to Davenport on Saturday, July 25th, 2015. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military and active duty reserve forces which require a printed application.
Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.
Again this year, the Bix 7 offers free entry to any active duty military and active duty reserve forces. A printed application is required which has a line to list the military identification number. The entrant will also be required to present their military identification at packet pick up to confirm status.
Joining the event is Skechers USA as Official Shoe. The Bix 7 is the fourth event, with the Chevron Houston Marathon, Bolder Boulder 10K and Gate River Run 15K, to be sponsored through Skechers Performance Division. Based in Manhattan Beach, CA, Skechers USA designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle footwear for men, women and children as well as performance footwear for men and women. Learn more at www.skechers.com and www.skechersgorun.com.
Other changes include the newly-renamed Isle Casino's "Beat The Elite Race" where a runner chosen at random has an opportunity to finish ahead of the elite winner and win $2,500. Plus, the Alcoa Jr. Bix 7 now offers its young participants a new logo magnet along with the participation medal the children receive on the Friday evening of race weekend.
Also, every paid entrant can assist military veterans by adding a $5.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. Led by the Veterans Administration and hospice care providers, the national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/
These complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards to top local male and female area finishers and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.
"What a memorable weekend this will be," said Froehlich. "The Quad-City Times Bix 7 has been a place to celebrate homecomings and occasions. Having RAGBRAI finishing in Davenport as in 2011, and return of a fully international elite field of runners, the welcoming spirit of our community will be on full display."
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