Staff Report

 

RUSSELL, Ky. – Registration continues for the 36th annual Run By The River.

Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County, Run By The River is one of the area’s premiere road races, and nearly the only one to feature either a 5K or 10K running or walking course.

The races are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, in downtown Russell. Several changes are being made this year that will smooth out the registration and packet pickup process, according to race director Tim Gearhart.

“Entries received by June 1 will qualify for a discounted fee of $20,” Gearhart said. After that date the entry fee will be $25, except for entrants 14 and under who are charged $20 through race day.

Considered one of the region’s best races and the longest continuously operating road race in Kentucky, Run By The River attracted 282 entrants last year and Gearhart expects a larger field this year.

The race course is virtually flat on blacktopped streets starting in downtown Russell. Runners travel underneath the Ironton-Russell bridge then along the Ohio River Road through Worthington and back. Runners get a spectacular view of the Ohio River.

Runners may choose either a 5K or 10K course, making it one of the few races in the Tri-State to offer this choice. A 5K or 10K fun walk is also offered. Runners must designate on the registration form which race they wish to enter.

All registered entrants receive a t-shirt and this year trophies will be given to the winner and runner-up in each road race, men’s and women’s divisions. The top three finishers in both races and in men’s and women’s divisions will receive medals based on 16 age groups that run from 9 and under to 80 and over.

The 9 and under and 80 and over categories make Run By The River one of the few races that recognizes the achievement of older runners and a growing number of young runners. Wheelchair entrants are welcome and special trophies are awarded to the top 3 wheelchair participants.

There are no awards for walkers but finish times are posted.

To ease congestion for registration, Kiwanis will be conducting day of race registration at one tent, while handing pre-registration packets at a different tent.

For an entry form or more information, runners can contact Gearhart at 740-532-0932 or by email at timgearhart@bright.net or visit the web site tristateracer.com for a downloadable registration form.