Before settling down by the grill and watching fireworks July 4, avid runners can get in a workout at the 33rd Annual Stars and Stripes Fun Run 5K.
Registration is currently open for the 5K event, which also give participants an option to walk the course or take part in a one-mile run. Runners can pick up forms at McMinnville Civic Center to register for the race.
The Stars and Stripes run has been a staple in downtown McMinnville during Fourth of July celebrations the last three decades. The run is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. before the Yankee Doodle parade and other downtown events. Winning runners are honored during the festivities later in the day.
The cost to run is $15. Runners are asked to arrive an hour early to finish registration for the event. Each runner will receive a T-shirt and a Dr Pepper.
Last year’s event, which is sponsored by Dr Pepper and Noon Rotary Club, was won by former WCHS cross country and track standout Amiel Emerson. Emerson was able to surge in front of a packed field to finish the course in 18:12 and claim the six-foot tall Danny Stubblefield memorial trophy that goes to the winner each year.
Jay Bragg, one of the race organizers, is hopeful this year’s turnout will surpass last year’s attendance. A powerful storm passed through town early in the morning last year, keeping many runners at home. Just a shade over 100 people ran last year, down from a record-setting number of runners in 2011 and more than 200 in 2012.
Bragg hopes good weather and the event falling on Friday will bring more people out this year.
“Our numbers fell a bit last year, but the rain probably played a big part in that,” said Bragg. “We hope to have lots of people come out and take part in our event this year.”
Runners will be challenged by a new course this year.
The previous two years featured Riverfront Park and the city’s greenway as a big part of the course. This year, runners will make a circle around downtown before being directed across Fernando Boyd bridge to run around the Westwood area. As always, the race will begin and finish on Court Square.
More race information can be found in future issues of the Southern Standard in the sports briefs section.