When The Beat Goes On 5K Run/Walk takes off at 9 a.m. Saturday in Benton, it will likely have some very serious runners with their eyes on a very big prize.
This year, the Saline Memorial Health Foundation is offering a $5,000 reward to the runner who's able to beat the state 5K record on their course.
The state record is 13 minutes, 57 seconds for men, 16:2 for women. So far, the record for The Beat Goes On is a little more than 17 minutes. So, there's definitely a challenge here. And it has been drawing a lot of regional attention.
The certified route starts and ends at Saline Memorial Hospital, 1 Medical Park Drive, and then winds through the older part of town.
"It shows off some of the really neat historic neighborhoods and our downtown area, which we are very proud of," explains foundation director Matt Brumley. "So people are able to really see what Saline County has to offer as far as health care and a beautiful downtown."
It's the health care that's the primary focus of the 5K. The $5,000 prize is really just a means to an end, as Brumley says. They want the attention and high participation to help their cause -- the patients and programs in Saline Memorial Hospital's cardiovascular unit.
Over six years, they've raised more than $100,000, and last year's race drew more than 800 participants.
"Yes, it's called a 5K race, but we're not racing," Brumley says. "We're participating. ... What we want is participants."
That means walkers, lopers, strollers, even spectators. He notes that they consistently have participants from infants in strollers all the way up to nonagenarians.
A 3.1-mile course might be a bit far for some ages and fitness levels, but there will be easy ways to trim off some distance.
Some of those cheering the runners on will be survivors of the hospital's cardiovascular program, there to put a face on the cause.
Brumley says that on the whole, it's an excellent day out for the family. Tropical Smoothies will hand out smoothies; Best Buy will be involved; and the National Guard will show off some of its equipment.
"It's at 9 a.m. so you don't even have to get up super early. To come to a great community and actually make a day of it, knowing that by participating you are [affecting] somebody's life, to be able to give in that way and have that opportunity is something that should be very encouraging to people."
Awards will be given male and female in four-year age groups.
Registration is $20 in advance, $25 on race day, but early registration is encouraged. For the 50 days leading up to the 5K, they've been giving away prizes -- Yeti coolers, electronic tablets, running shoes -- to people who register.
And, for everyone, there are long-sleeved T-shirts.
Brumley says, "You may not be a runner or even a walker, but everybody is a long-sleeved T-shirt wearer."
Call (501) 776-6746 or visit salinememorial.org.
Highway 71 Classic
Bicycle riding is healthy. It's environmentally sound. It can also be intimidating and dangerous -- particularly when riders or drivers don't know and follow the rules.
That's a big part of what Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks addresses, as program director Britney Schrag explains, "advocating and working toward a bicycle-friendly community."
The nonprofit encourages awareness and provides education, for instance including bicycle information in the Arkansas drivers license manual.
Perhaps most importantly, they've worked with schools in Northwest Arkansas. Thanks to a Walton Foundation grant, volunteers visit every school in the Fayetteville School District, giving lessons on road rules and safety through physical education programs. Springdale recently received a similar grant.
The effects of these classes are expected to be far-reaching, Schrag says.
"The districts, as things have gotten cut, there's not drivers ed anymore. Through bicycle education, because you're learning about right of way, learning about navigating the roads and all the stuff they'd be getting in drivers ed, it makes it safer for drivers and cyclists."
To draw more people and funds to their cause, they present the Highway 71 Classic membership ride, celebrating its 10th year.
In the past, the registration fee was described as including membership in the coalition, but this year they're turning it around. Participants will be asked to join the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks and then get to ride in the tour for free.
The entry fee hasn't changed, but it's a philosophical difference. "We want people to realize how powerful their membership is and what kind of programs they're supporting by being a member," she says.
Members can take advantage of events and classes throughout the year and are also eligible for prize giveaways leading up to the ride.
The ride itself, which Schrag calls a chance to "get out there and enjoy the day and be with other cyclists," starts at 9 a.m. March 1 with a mass start at Walker Park, 10 W. 15th St., Fayetteville. A police escort will lead the riders through town.
"Then it's just a gorgeous ride on Highway 71."
There are two route options -- 32 miles or 71 miles. Those doing the shorter ride will reach the first support area at the Brentwood pull-off, where they can "get off, take a break, chat with people a bit" and enjoy food and drinks before turning around for the return to Fayetteville.
"If you're wanting to do the long route, you'd climb the mountain a little bit, then have a really fun downhill to Mountainburg, and then climb back up."
While Schrag says the route is challenging, but there will be a sag wagon, with presenting sponsor Collier Drug Stores providing a vehicle to patrol for stragglers or riders in trouble.
"My 7-year-old is going to be doing the short route," she says. "Anybody can come and try, and if they need help getting back, we're here for them."
Registration is $30. The organization also offers business memberships for $100.
Call (479) 799-2326 or visit bconwa.com.
Readers can send tips about wellness-supporting active recreation opportunities to Jennifer Nixon at
jnixon@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 02/16/2015