Road races are a dime a dozen in central Arkansas. Nearly every weekend there's at least one 10K, 5K, 2K or other "K" in which runners can increase their speed and decrease their time.
But there's a dearth of chances for good old cross-country running (or, in other words, running on natural terrain, not on asphalt and concrete), and no meet in the area that welcomes student athletes as well as adults.
Missing that option gave Bill Torrey, owner of the Rock City Running shop, the inspiration he needed. "I was looking to put together an event under the store logo," he explains. "I was leading into the cross country deal because we haven't had one of those in this area in a while." (Not since Hendrix College in Conway dropped its Orange Crush meet in 2009.)
He eventually teamed up with the National Guard, Go! Running and the city of Little Rock, and they came up with the Minuteman Cross Country 5K/2 Mile on Saturday.
It's a combination event, one that's designed to pull together adult "civilian" runners in an open race and high school and middle school track runners in contests designed for them. While much of the focus is on providing an opportunity for teens, Torrey is quick to point out that the adults in the open race are a major part of the event.
"They're the backbone of this," Torrey says. "Their coming out helps support the high schools."
The adult race starts at 7:30 a.m. School teams line up next, with the 5K high school boys at 8:15, girls at 8:45, then the junior high student boys (at 9:15) and girls (9:45) running a two-mile course. Christian school league runners will race a 2-miler at 10:45 a.m. to wrap things.
It's going to take place, quite literally, off the beaten path. The former Western Hills Country Club, on Western Hills Road off Colonel Glenn Road, now slated to become a neighborhood park, isn't exactly a typical spot for running.
Torrey says, "It's a real pretty area. There's a little lake there. There's a bunch of trees."
The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department, which manages the land, has been doing extra work to get it ready -- mowing and getting it cleaned up for the runners.
There will be awards given in five-year age groups for the open race, with team awards two deep for schools and awards for the top 20 in each division. But even late finishers will get a prize. Torrey says that thanks to the National Guard's support, there will be finishers medals for all and T-shirts.
"That's not typical of cross country events for high school kids," he says. "Typically, if they want a shirt, they've got to buy it."
At the end of the morning, Centennial Bank will cook hot dogs and hamburgers for all.
"We're trying to create a real neat event for the area that people can be proud of," Torrey says.
Open race registration is $25 in advance, $30 the day of the race. For schools, registration is $50 per team with a $200 limit. There is no day-of-race registration for schools.
Civilians can call (501) 231-3730 or visit arkansasrunner.com. School coaches should contact Steve Oury at soury@bryantschools.org.
Bacon, bacon, bacon
For many, bacon is bliss. Versatile, tasty, crunchy, blessed with a scent that brings about a Pavlovian response in many a human. Arkansas State Fairgrounds is planning a full-day salute to the favored pork product with Bacon Fest, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13.
"Who doesn't love bacon?" says Will Hornburg, director of sales and promotions for the fairgrounds.
Consuming bacon could have an adverse effect on one's waistline, and after the joy of eating, there may follow the period of guilt and regret. The solution? The Bacon Fest 5K at 9:30 a.m., a fun run/walk at the fairgrounds.
This is not a competitive race. The focus is on the fun. And the bacon. While there will be the usual water stations, those stops will also include bacon pick-me-ups: cups of bacon bits, strips of bacon. And the prize at the end? A pancake with bacon in it for every participant.
The bacon theme isn't just gastronomic. It's also sartorial. Pig noses will be included in registration packs, and runners are encouraged to wear them. And if the spirit strikes, they're welcome to take it even further.
"If folks want to wear costumes and run in a pig suit, that's definitely encouraged," Hornburg says.
No baby strollers are allowed and, to avoid a scene of utter chaos brought on by the overwhelming scent of pork products, dogs are forbidden.
But everyone else is welcome, whether they want to walk, run, saunter, stroll or roll (wheelchairs are allowed). All will get a T-shirt, a medal and a "Prized Pig" ticket that allows early entry to the festival.
Registration is $50 ($55 on race day, if available). It is capped at 500 participants, and organizers anticipate filling up before race day.
Call (501) 372-8341 or visit facebook.com/LittleRockBaconFest.
Fighting on
Thousands of people every year are diagnosed with blood cancer. How to fight against it? Take a run and join a registry at the second annual Fighting Red 5K.
The footrace starts at 9 a.m. Sept. 13 at Cooks Landing Park in North Little Rock, with an out and back course using the Big Dam Bridge. The race is USA Track & Field certified and will be chip-timed.
But the point isn't just about exercise. It's about spreading awareness of blood cancer and screening potential donors.
There will be swabbing stations at Cooks Landing where people can help. They can take a stick, swab the inside of their cheeks, and they'll be entered into the registry for potential bone marrow donors.
Walkers are welcome. So are people who'd rather skip the whole exercise thing but are willing to swab.
There will be a packet pickup at Gearhead Outfitters in Park Plaza, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12. Registration is $30 in advance, $35 on race day.
Call (501) 231-5713 or visit fightingred5k.com.
ActiveStyle on 09/01/2014