It seems like
these days, the question is not if it will rain; but, how much and when. I guess
its a trade off of heat for humidity. After the track workout last night, Lonnie
and I looked like we had ran through a dozen sprinklers.
I have been asked by
several runners about the annual JAK (Just About Kids) Race that is usually held
in Sept. I have not heard for sure that it will not be held; but, the race
director has always had the info out long before now in other years. I just
assume that it is probably just another victim of our economy since the major
sponsor was one of our major aircraft companies. It was a good race, Deb did a
good job with it.
It seems like new races are popping up about as fast as new
eating establishments in the Wichita Area; however, old races like old eating
establishments seem to be disappearing. One old race which refuses to disappear
is the 31st Annual Oxford Lions Club Fun Run in Oxford. This year's edition is
this Saturday (Aug. 22). There is a 4 mile and 2 mile and both races start at
7:30 am. It is a no-frills race with a bad course; but, has a loyal cadre of
runners who run it each year. Come down and join them if you're up to dust,
dirt, rocks, mud, and Marie says that there's that terrible smell on the east
end. The people are friendly and Paul will be there for the 31st time. You can
find the race at the High School Gym, 500 N. Michigan.
The Black Arts Festival
5k is at Grove Park, next Saturday (Aug. 29), at 8:00 am. This is a fine race
with a good fast course.
Also, on the 29th at 8:30 am in Newton is the Sand
Creek 2-mile at Fisher Field. I'm not familiar with the event; but, assume that
its a low-key type.
The Dream Big 5k which has moved to the west side of Wichita
at New Market Square is on Sat., Sept. 5.
The following weeks have Horsethief
Canyon Trail Run at Kanopolis State Park on Sept. 12, the Haysville Running into
Fall 5k, also, on the 12th and the annual Wichita Half Marathon on Sun., the
20th. This popular half still starts in Riverside Park; but, has a new course
designed to accomodate the increase in runners. Check it out on the website.
I
would expect a good group of runners at Health Strategies this Sat at 7:00 am.
(not many will dare to venture to the above Oxford Race). You are welcome to
join the group that meets in the parking lot to the north of the main building
at 551 N. Hillside.
The Sunday Derby Group will meet at the corner of Woodlawn
& Madison at 7:30 am in downtown Derby for a ten miler. You are welcome to
join Ken and his group, always a good course and water at the 5 mile mark.
The
First Gear Racing Team will meet on Wed. at the Friends U. Track at 6:30 pm for
their weekly track workout. Only a few more of these left this year.
The Thu
Nite Group will meet at 5:45 pm at the Chisholm Creek Park/Nature Center for 5
mile run on the K-96 Path. All are welcome to join the group, enter the park
from the east side of Oliver between K-96 and 29th St. (directly across from the
new Rainbows United Center) and follow the park road to the main parking lot.
Plenty of cold water and conversation after the run.
Have a good
week.
