What’s the best way to beat the nippy winter weather? Get out in the fresh air and generate some body heat through good, old-fashioned exercise.
The fickle Arkansas weather can wreak havoc on outdoor plans at this time of the year, but organizers soldier on.
Take, for instance, the MLK 5K race at 8 a.m. Saturday. This will be year six for the footrace at the North Little Rock side of the Big Dam Bridge.
“We keep our fingers crossed for good weather,” organizer Bill Torrey laughs. “This race is notorious for having a bad day!”
This certified, chip-timed race was originally held in downtown Little Rock, then dropped from the schedule for a few years before organizers Torrey and ex-Razorback Muskie Harris brought it back and moved it to the bridge. The course now goes from Cooks Landing, across the bridge, along the River Trail and then back.
Registration is $20 in advance, $25 on race day, with packet pickup and registration available Friday at Torrey’s running store, Rock City Running, 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock.
Funds raised go to Youth Home, which offers help and treatment for emotionally troubled adolescents, and Sober Living’s addiction recovery programs.
Call (501) 231-3730 or visit mlkrunwalk.org.
Skip the peak
Say “Pinnacle Mountain State Park” in Arkansas and it conjures up images of school field trips or family outings to climb up the mountain, take in the view, then climb back down.
Interpreter Maryanne Stansbury admits she was guilty of this type of limited thinking herself.
“When I first came here, I thought [the summit trail] was the only trail in the park. You just kind of march like ants to the top of the mountain and do your thing.
“The park actually has several other trails.”
Stansbury will introduce visitors to one of those less-used trails on the East Quarry Hiking Adventure, 1 p.m. Sunday.
The trail isn’t as flashy as the hike up the mountain, and it’s also more challenging, a “slow-grinder” whose changes in elevation are less dramatic but equally real.
But there are rewards along the way. The view starts with rocky terrain and pine trees, then dips down into a river valley with different vegetation before coming out again and up to the quarry, where cactus and yucca grow. There are also crystals, though you’re not allowed to take them with you. (Don’t take anything with you from any state park except memories, brochures and maybe something you bought at a visitor center.)
And being on the road less traveled has other advantages too: fewer crowds, more critters. When there aren’t as many people tromping by, you’ve got a better chance of seeing the wildlife.
“You’re never bored there,” Stansbury says. “You’re always going to see something different.”
Stansbury also points to an overlook at the quarry that’s “breathtaking.”
It’s not a hike for everyone, though. The trail is rocky and uneven, with elevation changes and a good fit for people who have some hiking experience or are moderately active. People who are hiking novices and are habitually inactive would likely find the trail too strenuous, while seasoned hikers might be bored.
Those participating should take water, snacks if they want them and appropriate, sturdy shoes.
“No flats,” she says. “Or, God forbid, flip-flops.”
There are no registration fees and if the weather is dicey, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.
Call (501) 868-5806 or visit arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain.
Chilled
The Camden Rotary club acknowledges the possibility of frigid temps with its annual Chilly Cheeks 10K, starting at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 18.
“We’ve had some really cold weather,” organizer Eddie Parker says. But even if it’s frigid, “the real dedicated runners are going to show up.”
The race begins at the Camden Municipal Airport off U.S. 79, winds through town and ends up at the Budweiser plant near the river.
The first race was held several years ago with an eye on the forthcoming Little Rock Marathon in March.
“There are so many 5Ks around this area,” Parker says. “So we thought, ‘Well, let’s just do a 10K.’ So we don’t get some of the runners that just strictly stick with the 5K but we do get some that are trying to get ready for the marathon.”
Parker notes that they also get their share of walkers.
While the route is not certified, the race is timed, with $100 prizes for the overall male and female finishers and medals for others.
Registration is $25 through Saturday, $30 after, and the funds raised go toward scholarships for Camden-area high school students.
For more information, call (870) 836-2186, (870) 836-6462 or (870) 231-5913.
Take the plunge
The town of Greenwood embraces the cold wholeheartedly with its first Special Olympics Benefit 5KPolar Run/Walk, 9 a.m. Saturday.
“There was a run last year, but this is the first 5K we’ve put together,” explains organizer Sgt. Eric Pippin of the Greenwood Police Department. “We’re trying to make it a bigger event, better than it has been in the past.”
Participants will meet on the downtown square, where they will be directed to the starting point on Old Hackett Road. The 5K route winds through town, past the high school and through residential neighborhoods before ending back at the square.
While the race will not be chip timed, there will be a clock. Medals will go to the first- and second-place runners in each age division and the overall champion.
If runners have worked up a sweat, regardless of temperatures, and want to cool off, they can then take part in the Polar Bear Plunge, which leaps into action at noon in the square.
“We’re going to do it in the town square this year instead of the usual pond,” Pippin says, adding that a resident is letting them borrow an above-ground pool, which will be set up in the square. “We’re trying to make it a town event and get everybody involved.”
Registration for the race is $20 in advance, $25 on race day, and plunge participation is a $50 donation to Special Olympics Arkansas.
Call (479) 996-4119.
ActiveStyle, Pages 24 on 01/06/2014