From staff reports

RUSSELL, Ky. - The 26th annual Run By The River, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Greenup County, Ky., is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, starting at the old Russell Elementary School near the foot of the Ironton-Russell Bridge.

A special registration with a $12 fee will be held by the sponsors at the Ashland Town Center Mall from 5-to-9 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Race day registration is $18 and begins at 7 a.m. in the parking lot of the old school.

Anyone unable to register at the mall may do so for $15 through Saturday,

June 7, by mailing entries to the Run-by-the-River Race Committee at 204 S. Third St., Ironton, OH 45638.

More than 150 runners are expected for what is considered Kentucky's longest continuously operated road race. There will be both 10K and 5K courses for runners or walkers.

The race serves as a kickoff for the day's Greenup County Bicentennial events. The race's scenic route runs along the Ohio River to Worthington and back.

There is a turnaround point on the River Road for 5K runners.

Trophies will be awarded to the top overall male and female winners in both races. Trophies also will be given to the top three finishers in each of the 12 age groups for both men and women.

Trophies for wheelchair participants will be presented along with medals for runners age 10 and under.

Computerized race results are provided by USATF certified official Tom Plummer. Results will be mailed to all who register.

Safety for runners will be secured by Kiwanis members and members of the Russell High School and Raceland-Worthington High School Key Clubs who will assist in traffic control and manning water stations along the route in cooperation with local police departments.

Paramedic services will be provided by the Greenup Country Ambulance Service.

Proceeds from the race are used for community projects, including annual scholarships of $500 for each of the Key Clubs, a Kid's Day celebration in the fall, and food baskets at Thanksgiving for needy families.