RUSSELL, Ky. — The gun is in the air. Almost.
It is nearly time for the annual Run By The River to begin its 42nd race when the starter’s pistol fires at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in downtown Russell.
Race day registration tables will open at 7 a.m. and the races start promptly at 8:30 a.m. A separate tent will be used for those who have pre-registered to pick up their race packets.
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County, this year’s run will be a part of the larger Railroad Days celebration being held in downtown Russell.
The 5K and 10K races — laid out on a beautiful course along the Ohio River to Worthington and back — were started as part of a similar celebration 42 years ago.
There is a turnaround spot on the River Road for 5K runners and two water stations so runners can stay hydrated. Russell and Worthington police departments aid in traffic control.
The race course is flat and on blacktop streets and features views of the new Ironton-Russell Bridge as a backdrop.
The Kiwanis event is one of only a few races locally to offer both a 5K and 10K course. Walkers are invited to enjoy the 5K race course as are wheelchair entrants.
The winner and runner-up of both the 5K and 10K races (men’s and women’s divisions) are recognized with trophies. Runners in 16 different age categories from 9 and under to 80 and over are awarded medals for first, second and third place finishes.
Special races are also included within the 5K race. A winner and runner-up trophy is awarded in the following categories: Stroller Division (adult pushing child in a baby stroller); Top Dog (runner with canine on leash); father/son; father/daughter; mother/son; and mother/daughter. Runners may register for these events on the day of the race.

The race course is flat and on blacktop streets and features views of the new Ironton-Russell Bridge as a backdrop.
Money raised by Run By The River is used for numerous Kiwanis civic projects including sponsorship of Key Clubs at Russell and Raceland-Worthington High Schools; donations to the Family Resource Centers at the county’s three school systems; Thanksgiving food baskets for no less than 50 families; and donations to Shop With A Cop at Christmas and the library’s summer reading program.