Keep it Local:
by Les Watson
Been awhile since I have written a review of a race and certainly a long time since I have written one about a new race. So I don’t know if this review is the Grinch who stole Christmas or a Christmas miracle.But either way here is a review of the Keepin’ It Local 5K ( KIL5K) held on November 27.
Speaking of Christmas miracles, I was a little confused when the date of this event was announced. It was on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This date is traditionally the date for the the Miracle on Kansas Ave 5K(MKA5K). KIL5K was scheduled for a morning start and MKA5K had always been an evening start. So were we going to have two events or was KIL5K replacing MKA5K? As I found out KIL5K was replacing MKA5K which seems to be a victim of COVID-19.
Registering for KIL5K was simple enough. Visit a website, register, use a credit card and BAM! you are registered.But as KIL5K drew near I was having a hard time finding out more about it. Eventually visiting the TopCity Half Marathon Facebook I found out more details. Also found out that the organizers hit a snag in putting together this event. Seems that they had gotten a permit, but because of a mix up with the City, the event couldn’t use the streets for the run. So the organizers were faced with cancelling the event or find an alternative. They found an alternative. The race would be on the sidewalks not the streets. Now sidewalks and I have and up and down relationship. They trip me up and I fall down! So I wasn’t keen about this aspect of the race.
Packet pick up at Gary Gribble’s went smooth. Great shirt and goodies. Found out about 70 people had registered for the race.
Race day morning was ideal. Cool but not cold, sunny, and a light breeze. The race started and end at the area of the Plaza at 7th and Kansas Avenue. Yes the race was on the sidewalks and no I didn’t fall down. Running on the sidewalks was a lot easier than I expected so good alternative choice by the organizers.The course was easy enough with some stretches up and down Kansas Avenue and laps around the Capitol Building.Plenty of volunteers to keep us on course. Chip timing was used and results were readily available. Awards ceremony started fairly soon after the last runner(me?) finished. Post race treats were great with coffee from Blue Jazz Roasters and treat bars from Joey’s Bakery.
So congrats to those a TopCity Half Marathon that thought up, planned,worked on and put on this event. It was a very enjoyable well done event.
Finally just a few personal thoughts. The purposes of the KIL5K and MKA5K were to support local businesses and the Topeka rescue Mission respectively. In going forward I hope both events can be held as the recipients of these events are worthy causes. However regardless if both, neither or either events are held, we as the running community should do our best to support our local businesses and the Topeka Rescue Mission.
So keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Gift Giving:
Concerned about stores running out of stuff before you do your Christmas shopping? Having trouble deciding what to give your favorite Sunflower Strider?
Well we have the answer! How about giving an entry into the Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon or membership to the Striders? Or both? Access to both is listed later in this newsletter. So these gifts will be about out running, not running out!
And now a plug for Gary Gribble’s. Mark and the crew have been big supporters of us Striders, so drop by the store( next to Target) and load up on gifts for your favorite Strider, even if that is yourself !
Topeka to Auburn 2022;
Registration for the 2022 Topeka to Auburn is now open at runsignup.com Both in person and virtual race options are available. Current plans are for a point to point race. However COVID-19 protocols may require changes to the route and other aspects of the run. A special 40th Anniversary finishers medal will be awarded. Also a Striders Hoodie will be for sale .
An important aspect of the event is having enough volunteers. Sharon Wenger has graciously volunteered to recruit/coordinate the volunteers for the T2A. So please agree to help when Sharon contacts you. And you still can contact Paul or myself about volunteering.
A T2A practice run is scheduled on the morning of January 1, 2022. Great way to start the New Year. Also a good opportunity to do your virtual T2A Half.
Another aspect of staging the T2A is seeking sponsorship/donations. We have received some already and are working with several entities to receive sponsorship/donations. If you think your employer or favorite business would want to sponsor or donate please feel free to contact Les Watson at
lrrpwatson@aol.com or Paul Wagner at paul.wagner@ washburn.edu.
Thanks!
Membership Renewals:
Thank you all who have renewed your memberships. If you would like to join the Striders and receive a club shirt as well as our discounts you can click on the button below and fill in the necessary information.
