Staff Report

 

RUSSELL, Ky. – Registration is now underway for the 37th annual Run By The River set for Saturday, June 14, in downtown Russell.

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

The races begin at 8:30 a.m.

There are several new twists to this year’s races, according to race director Tim Gearhart.

“We have added several races within the 5K event, including special trophy awards for father/son and mother/daughter teams, parents who push strollers through the course and for civic groups and faith-based groups,” Gearhart said.

Those wishing to enter the special events must preregister by June 7. Groups must consist of 10 or more runners and each person in the group qualifies for a special reduced registration fee of $18.

The group winner will be determined by averaging the times of the top five members of the group. All members of the groups continue to qualify for medals in their age category, Gearhart said.

Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. Those who pre-registered will pick up their packets at a special tent, while those who need to registered on the day of the race will report to a separate tent.

Runners can pre-register and pay with a credit card by visiting the web site runvalley.com and clicking Run By The River in the calendar. Credit cards will also be accepted on race day.

Entries received by June 7 will qualify for a discounted fee of $20 ($18 for groups), Gearhart said. After that date the entry fee will be $25, except for entrants 14 and under who are charged $20 through race day. Each participant will receive a top quality color block tech shirts and a goody bag.

Trophies are given to the winner and runnerup 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. This is one of the few races to recognize both the youngest and oldest 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.

Run By The River is the longest continuously operating road race in Kentucky, and last year it attracted 226 entrants. Gearhart expects a similar 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.

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 or runvalley.com for on-line registration.