RUSSELL, Ky. – Registration is now underway for the 42nd annual Kiwanis Run By The River, set for Saturday, June 8, in downtown Russell.
The race, which features both 5K and 10K runs and a 5K walk, is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County, Ky. The races begin at 8:30 a.m.
Run By The River features competitive races for men and women in both 5K and 10K runs, along with a number of additional competitions within the 5K event.
Trophies are given to the overall winner and runner-up in each road race, men’s and women’s divisions.
The top three finishers in both races and in men’s and women’s divisions will receive medals based on 16 age groups that run from 9 and under to 80 and over.
This is one of the few races to recognize both the youngest and oldest runners.
Trophies will be given to the winner and runner-up in the following special events in the 5K race only: Father/son; mother/daughter; father/daughter; and mother/son pairs. Trophies are also awarded to the winner and runner-up in a stroller division and an event the club has dubbed the “Top Dog.”
The stroller division is for parents or grandparents who push a child in a stroller through the 5K course, while the Top Dog refers to runners who race with their canine on a leash.
Wheelchair entrants are welcome and special trophies are awarded to the top 3 wheelchair participants. There are no awards for walkers but finish times are posted.
“The club hopes the special events will introduce an element of fun into the event and encourage more to participate,” race director Tim Gearhart said.
Entries received by June 1 will qualify for a discounted fee of $20, Gearhart said. After that date the entry fee will be $25.
Entrants 14 and under are charged $20 through race day. Each participant will receive a quality racermesh tee shirt and a goody bag.
Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. Those who preregistered will pick up their packets at a special tent, while those who need to registered on the day of the race will report to a separate tent.
Runners can preregister and pay with a credit card by visiting the web site runbytheriver.com. A mail-in entry form is also available on Facebook.com/runbytheriver. Credit cards will also be accepted on race day.
Run By The River is the longest continuously operating road race in Kentucky, and is expected to attract close to 200 entrants.
The race course is virtually flat on blacktopped streets starting in downtown Russell in front of the Russell Fire Station. Runners travel Bellefont Street to the viaduct, then along the Ohio River past the site of the old Ironton-Russell bridge.
From there runners will travel along the Ohio River Road through Worthington and back if they choose the 10K race. There is a turnaround point on the road for 5K runners and walkers.
For an entry form or more information runners can call or text Gearhart at 740-532-9688 or by email at timgearhart204@att.net or Facebook.com/runbytheriver for a printable registration form.