PRINTGet a head start on Columbia races
From mall walkers to marathon runners, this guide to Columbia's summer runs will steer you to the finish line
Photo courtesy of stock exchange
April 26, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
This summer, run for your life — and the lives of others. We’ve selected a few local races that will help you put your best foot forward by helping others and staying in step with your fitness goals. So stop dragging your feet, and get out there. These races offer options for walkers, amateur runners and seasoned pros.
10th Annual Jay Dix Challenge to Cure
When: May 12, 9 a.m.
Where: Flat Branch Park
What: With a 5K walk or run and a 10K run, this family-friendly race caters to everyone from casual mall walkers to experienced distance runners. The event has raised more than $144,000 in the past nine years for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.
Cost: $35
Swag: All participants will get to refuel at a post-race buffet sponsored by Shiloh Bar & Grill. Participants will also receive T-shirts. Volunteers will supervise activities for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Online: challengetocure.com
Call: 881-3384
Go Girl Run
When: May 26, 7:45 a.m.
Where: MU Reactor Field Park
What: Go Girl Run is Columbia’s first allwomen’s race. The event, which is designed to celebrate women, health and fitness and six charities in the area, allows only women to run in the half-marathon, but men are welcome to run in the 5K.
Cost: Save $5 and register before May 14:
$70 for the half-marathon and the 5K is $30.
Swag: Both half-marathon and 5K runners will receive a T-shirt at the event. Photographers will snap pictures at the finish line to document the success of those who “go girl ran,” and awards will be given out for half-marathon and 5K champions and to the top runners in each age group.
Online: ultramaxtri.com/gogirlrun
Call: 575-6292
Show-Me State Games
When: July 29, 8 a.m.
Where: Sudbury Drive north of the Bethel Park entrance
What: The Olympics are across the pond this year, but Missouri will host its own version later this summer. The Show-Me-State Games drew nearly 27,000 people last year. This event will feature both a 10K and a 5K race. Those who run the 10K might experience a slight sense of déjà vu, but it’s only because the 10K route is a double loop of the 5K.
Cost: $20 before July 1, $25 after July 1
Swag: Runners will receive T-shirts at the race, and beverages will be on hand to cool down participants.
Online: smsg.org
Call: 882-2101
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
When: September 16, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Mizzou Arena
What: Survivors, mothers, sisters, friends and more will stand united at the starting line of this 5K run or walk to support the fight against breast cancer. Although 25 percent of the proceeds will go to the national foundation, 75 percent will help fund breast cancer screenings, treatment and education locally.
Cost: A limited discount registration fee of $20 is available through May 15. After May 15, the cost increases to $30. Children 13 and under are $15.
Swag: Registration includes a T-shirt for all participants and special T-shirts and ball caps for survivors.
Online: komenmidmissouri.org
Call: 445-1905
Roots 'N' Blues 'N' BBQ Festival Half Marathon and 10K
When: September 22, 7 a.m. for the half-marathon and 7:30 a.m. for the 10K
Where: TBD
What: The annual Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Half Marathon and 10K, which features bands playing along the route.
Cost: Registration dates have yet to be determined, but early bird registration will cost $40 for the 10K and $50 for the half-marathon.
Swag: Because the smell of barbecue wafting through the air will lead them to the finish line, runners will receive beer and barbecue once they complete the race. Participants will also receive a complimentary ticket to the festival on race day.
Online: rootsnbluesnbbq.com/half-marathon
Call: 442-5862
