Serena Williams has announced that she will be hosting the second annual Serena Williams Live Ultimate Run, which will be held in Miami’s South Beach Sunday, December 13, 2015.
The Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), 5K Run/Walk and Ultimate Kids Dash will gather runners of all ages and ability to support the Serena Williams Fund.
“I continue to be honored by the rare opportunity I have been given, and truly understand the importance of using my platform to assist others,” shared Williams. “The Serena Williams Fund is excited for the opportunity to partner with Live Ultimate to host a run. We get people outdoors and active in beautiful South Beach and most importantly raise funds for two very important causes: aiding individuals and communities who have been affected by senseless violence and making a quality education accessible to deserving youth around the world. Come out and join us!”
On December 13, famed Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic for the Serena Williams Live Ultimate Run’s start and finish lines, with a course that will take runners through Miami’s world-renowned South Beach scene, an iconic destination known for its tropical beauty, Art Deco buildings, world class nightlife and dining. The course will take runners through Ocean Drive, Washington Ave, the Art Deco District, Lincoln Road, and down South Beach’s world-famous beach walk. The event, which is supported by the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), has partnered with local hotels within walking distance of the start/finish line to offer participants attractive hotel deals.
“Serena is the absolute personification of the philosophy of living ultimate,” adds Marc Wachter, CEO of Live Ultimate, LLC and Board Member of Driving Force Giving Circle (DFGC), which houses funds and projects dedicated to creating equity for all, including the Serena Williams Fund. “Not only does she excel in her professional and personal life, but she dedicates her time and energy to giving back to those in need. She should be recognized as much for her work off the courts as for her achievements on them. We are honored to work with her to raise funds for her very important causes.”
Joining Serena will be her sister and fellow tennis champion, Venus, and an expected list of elite runners and both local and national personalities who will be coming out in support of The Serena Williams Fund.
“We had such a blast last year, I’m really looking forward to getting back out there again for the Serena Williams Live Ultimate Run,” adds Venus Williams. " My goal is to train harder and beat my time from last year. I encourage everyone from all walks of life to join us for a fun run while supporting a great cause, and of course… the post race Karaoke party on the beach!"
More than 3,000 runners are expected to participate in the Serena Williams Live Ultimate Run, which will be the culmination of a weekend-long series of events, kicking off with an Ultimate Evening charity gala and silent auction on Friday, December 11, and a health and wellness expo on Saturday, December 12.
“Once again we are thrilled to unite so many communities – runners, families, fitness fans, and philanthropists – to run with Serena, Venus, and other elite athletes, through our shared neighborhood, the one-and-only South Beach,” adds Michael Rose, Managing Partner of Rose Capital Advisors in Miami Beach and Board Member of DFGC. “We had so much fun last year, with over 2,500 runners and even more spectators, that in true Williams competitive spirit, this year we are all out to top our personal bests in both race times as well as raising money and awareness for such important causes.”
One hundred teams of four or more are expected to join the Ultimate Team Challenge, and several hundred children, aged 2 – 10, are expected to participate in the Ultimate Kids Dash. For more information about The Serena Williams Live Ultimate Run, The Serena Williams Fund, or to register for the event, click here.
