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Press Release

3100 Runners 'Run the Bridge' to Support Local School for the Disabled

2006 AmeriHealth Ben Franklin Bridge Challenge benefits the Larc School

Camden, NJ - November 5, 2006 - A record-breaking 3,100 runners and walkers crossed the finish line today during the 12th annual AmeriHealth Ben Franklin Bridge Challenge presented by Cooper University Hospital.

Samuel Ndereba of Kenya captured first place in the AmeriHealth Ben Franklin Bridge Challenge 10K run in 29 minutes and 39 seconds.  He had placed second in the 2005 race. Carmen Douma Hussar of Ontario, Canada - who had placed first in the women's division in 2003 - led the women's division again this year, coming in at 33 minutes and 50 seconds.  These two runners led the way across the Ben Franklin Bridge to Philadelphia, then back toward the Camden waterfront where runners were treated to picturesque Delaware River sites, including the Adventure Aquarium, Tweeter Center, Campbell's Field, and the Battleship New Jersey.

In the male division, three seconds behind Ndereba, there was an exciting photo finish for second place - Valentine Orare from Kenya and Alene Reta from Ethiopia, with Orare capturing second by half-a-stride.

"This event could not have been successful without the enthusiasm of the hundreds of volunteers and the thousands of runners and walkers willing to take on the bridge to help disabled students in our area," said Judith L. Roman, president and CEO of AmeriHealth Insurance Company of New Jersey, the naming sponsor of the race. "We're pleased to be a part of this world-class event that brings the community together and makes a difference in the lives of the wonderful children and their families at the Larc School."

With the help of media partner 6ABC, the Delaware River Port Authority, Cooper University Hospital, Rutgers University and AmeriHealth, this year's race was the best ever for Larc School with the largest field of runners in the history of the race competing for a prize purse totaling $6,300.

All proceeds from the race benefits the Larc School, which serves individuals with moderate to severe disabilities throughout South Jersey.  With the record breaking number of participants and the strong support of its corporate partners, proceeds from this year's race are expected to be at an all time high.

Established in 1968, Larc School of Bellmawr, N.J., offers educational, therapeutic and recreational programs to more than 115 children to young adults from ages 3 to 21 with moderate to severe disabilities at no cost to their families.

View a photo gallery of the event.

For a complete list of results of the AmeriHealth Ben Franklin Bridge Challenge, please visit www.lmsports.com.

About AmeriHealth
AmeriHealth, Inc., a growing group of health care plans with its base in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware has grown to more than 265,000 members since its inception in 1995.

AmeriHealth companies have been recognized for their commitment to providing high quality products. AmeriHealth HMO of New Jersey and Delaware's AmeriHealth HMO have received the highest possible accreditation by the national leader in HMO quality evaluation. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has awarded both HMOs "Excellent" status for meeting its rigorous evaluation standards.

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