RUSSELL, Ky. - The field for the 28th annual "Run By The River," scheduled for Saturday is shaping up to meet or exceed last year's record number of runners.

"We've had an enormous amount of interest again this year," said Tim Gearhart, director of the event for the sponsoring Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County.

"We have nearly 40 runners preregistered in age groups running from 12 to 73," he said. Runners consider "Run By The River" as one of the premiere races in the region.

"Run By The River" features 5K and 10K road races, as well as a division for 5K walkers. The registration fee is $12 for those 14 and under and $18 for those over 15. All entrants receive a T-shirt and trophies are awarded in 13 age groups for both men and women in each road race, including a new 70 and over category that recognizes people who are remaining active in their senior years.

Runners 10 and under receive a medal and trophies are awarded to wheelchair participants. There are no awards for walkers.

Race day registration opens at 7 a.m. and the races start promptly at 8:30 a.m.

The race course starts and ends at the old Central School Building next to Super Quik in downtown Russell, travels along Riverside Drive underneath the Ironton-Russell Bridge, then along River Road through Worthington and back. A turnaround point is on the River Road for 5K runners.

Russell and Worthington police will be helping with traffic control and the Greenup County Emergency Medical Service will be on stand-by.

"Support for this year's race is excellent," Gearhart said, noting there are 22 sponsoring businesses.

Money raised by "Run By The River" is used for numerous civic projects sponsored by Kiwanis, including distribution of food baskets at Thanksgiving, scholarships to Key Club seniors at Russell and Raceland-Worthington high schools, and purchase of shoes for children through the county's school resource centers.