I've designated
this weekend as the "Summer Race Weekend" because of the sheer number of races
available in the area for runners.
For those who don't mind driving a fair piece
northeast, the granddaddy of the Kansas City Races, the Hospital Hill Run, is on
Saturday, the 5th. The offering this year is a half marathon, 10k, and 5k. These
courses are among the most difficult in the nation. Its been a few years since
I've ran the "Hill"; but, its still the same course and I wish all of you who
run it, the best of luck, you'll need it. There were a few slots left a couple
of days ago; but, if you haven't done some serious training, skip it.
The other
races on Saturday, June 5, you can head south to Winfield for the June Bug Jog
5k or a few miles down the road to Arkansas City's Race for the Arts 5k & 1
Mile; head east to El Dorado for the Storm the Dam Trail Half Marathon & 5k
or head to downtown Wichita and you'll find the East Meets West 5k at
Exploration Place. What should you do this weekend? None of the races carry a
recommendation; but, here's a few notes. The southern races will attract mostly
local runners and its kind of fun to race among "strangers" once in a while; the
trail half will be a challenge if that's what you're looking for in a race; the
EmeetsW used to attract a lot of serious runners when it was held on Labor Day
Weekend some years ago; but, has attracted mostly casual runners and walkers in
recent years, it is still a very good race, just different competitors these
days; I've already covered HH above and nothing more needs to be said about that
race. Of course, you can do a nice training run.
I would guess that there will
be very few runners at Health Strategies on Saturday at 7:00 am; but, you're
welcome to join those that do show up at the parking lot at 551 N. Hillside.
The
Sunday Derby Group will meet at 7:30 am at the corner of Madison & Woodlawn
in downtown Derby for a 10 miler. All are welcome to join Ken and his group,
always an interesting group and water at the 5 mile mark.
The First Gear Racing
Team will meet at the Friends U. Track on Wed at 6:30 pm for their weekly track
workout. All team members are encouraged to attend the workouts.
The Thu Nite
Group will meet at 5:45 pm at the Chisholm Creek Park/Nature Center for a 5
miler on the K-96 Path. All are welcome to join the group, enter the park from
the east side of Oliver between 29th St & K-96, follow the park road to the
big parking lot. Summer heat is here so don't forget to drink plenty of liquids.
All of the public water fountains are turned on now to help you replenish your
liquids.
