Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, August 7, 2014
(BEDFORD) - Bedford will stage its first half-marathon October 4th. The race will start and finish at the Lawrence County Courthouse.
This family-friendly, first class running event will promote health and wellness while showcasing Lawrence County.
The event will offer options for everyone, including a 1-mile family fitness walk, a 5K run/walk and a half marathon. The 5K and 1-mile family fitness walk will utilize the same start and finish so all participants can experience the joy of running through the finish line.
The race will directly benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County.
"The Bedford Half Marathon will be a positive event for the entire community-for economic development, travel and tourism, culture and of course fitness," Said Todd Oliver, Assistance Race Director and President of the Carmel Road Racing Group. "We are looking forward to building an event that will last for years to come and bring the excitement of distance running to the Bedford community."
The race is partnering with the Carmel Road Racing Group to manage the event.
The inaugural Bedford Half Marathon offers something for everyone, including a 1-mile family fitness walk and 5K run along with the Half Marathon. All races will start and finish at the town square and include a challenging course that only Lawrence County can offer.
Course time limit is 3.5 hours and start times for the half marathon is 8 a.m.; for the 5K 8:30 a.m. and for the one mile family fitness walk 8:45 a.m.
Chris Galloway, co-organizer and Bedford native, is hoping for more than 1,000 participants.
"The Bedford Chamber is proud to support the Bedford Half Marathon. Chris Galloway and Todd Oliver are true professionals and will undoubtedly put on a first class event. Health and wellness play a major role in the make-up of successful communities." says Jamie Medlock, President of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, "We are increasingly seeing local businesses put a larger emphasis on wellness, and an event like this is something that employees can engage in. Folks from all backgrounds and lifestyles will be able to participate in this inaugural event. In addition to runners and walkers, we'll need lots of volunteers to help with miscellaneous tasks. It is our hope this will become a local tradition, and will be an exciting event for colleagues, neighbors and families to look forward to throughout the years."
Participants can purchase tickets for the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast the same morning.
Officials are hoping to secure massage therapists for complimentary massages after the run. Commemorative participant shirts for all three events and inaugural collector's medals for those in the Half Marathon. Special hotel rates will be posted soon.
Cash purse will be awarded in the half marathon and 5K will a special BONUS being paid to the top finishing male and female from Lawrence County! Age group awards presented as well. Enjoy the sights of fall and the warmth of small-town hospitality by joining us at the Inaugural Bedford Half Marathon.
The corporate and school challenges encourage schools and businesses to participate as a team. Teams earn points: 3 points for a half-marathon participant, 2 points for a 5K or one-mile walk, 1 point for a volunteer. The total number of points will be divided by number of total employees, or staff and school, to determine a winner. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the two winners.
Other events surrounding the half marathon include an expo Oct. 3 at the Boys & Girls Club and after-party downtown with live music from Jeff Day.
To register, or learn about volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, go to bedfordhalfmarathon.com.
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