Race Against Breast Cancer this Sunday

Every October thousands turn out in downtown Cedar Rapids for the Especially for You Women’s Race
Against Breast Cancer 5K run/walk. This is the events’ 18^th year and participation has grown – from a little over a thousand the first year to over 10,000 last year.  According to the event literature, more than 4,000 women have used the money raised from our local event to help fund breast exams, mammographies, ultrasounds or surgical consolation. 

I’m lucky enough to work somewhere that organizes a team and so it’s very easy for me to participate. Last year was my first year, and unfortunately the event was canceled due to bad weather. This year the weather should be dry and pretty nice, although it will surely be brisk at 8 am when the race kicks off.

The Bix – A Quad City tradition

There are tons of walks and runs to participate in during the summer in Iowa. I recently walked in the The Bix. 2008 marks the 34th anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 – in fact it’s known as one of the United States most prestigious and challenging races.

Here’s a recap of my walk…

Of the people I know about, I brought up the rear. By a lot. About 2:18 for me. That’d be two hours and eighteen minutes to walk seven miles. My 60-year old father in law ran it in just over an hour. Small children and old folks alike giggled as they passed me by. But there’s a reason! Really!

Where I started

The Army guys…

Tinky Winky

The Chicken Man

Our inspiration

First of all, I started waaaay in the back. So I started off at a disadvantage.

I was near the Army guys in fatigues with 100lb packs on their backs. They started up Brady St. hill walking, and I kept pace. Woot!, I thought, I can keep up with these guys, and they train and like, lift weights and stuff.

Then we got to the top of the hill and they started running.

I never saw them again.

Then I got passed by Tinky Winky.

Seriously.

Then I got passed by the chicken man. But you know, he’s probably a runner in all the getup.

Then the pregnant gal breezed by me. Very pregnant. Maybe 7 months. But she was probably a runner before, so she doesn’t count.

Then the lady in the wheelchair passed me.

Then our inspirations passed me  (and his wife I presume). They were getting cheers the whole way. Truly amazing.

However, all is not lost. I did totally crush this guy in the Monty Python outfit.

So when I got home and Mallory (age 4) asked “Did you win?” of course, I said Yes!

Posted by: ericengelmann

RiverRun Recap

The high on Sunday was only in the mid-50s but the cool air didn’t stop hundreds from attending the 29th annual RiverRun. Event coordinators are reporting an increase in both attendance and money raised!

More than 1,700 runners registered this year – up from 1,484 last year. Coordinators also said a record number of volunteers donated time this year to help with the event.

Last year, the run generated $15,000 for Extend the Dream, the nonprofit organization that operates Uptown Bill’s Small Mall in downtown Iowa City.  The group expects to beat the $15,000 mark this year, especially considering some large donations from area businesses.

This recap will be updated as more information is learned and final results released.  

And the winners are… Race Results

http://www.uiowa.edu/~riverrun/results.htm

Local media coverage:

http://media.www.dailyiowan.com/media/storage/paper599/news/2008/04/28/Metro/Riverrun.Sees.Large.Surge-3352615.shtml

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080428/NEWS01/804280301/1079

posted by: heatherjoy77

RiverRun to celebrate 29th year, impressive participation expected

The University of Iowa’s 29th annual RiverRun is Sunday, April 27th.  The race begins at 9 a.m. at the IMU.  You can participate individually or with your friends by signing up for the 5k team competition.  Children ages 2-8 can participate in the Hawkeye Hustle which begins at 10:30.  After the race, local vendors will be present at the Fitness Fair in Hubbard Park. Visit the RiverRun Web page to signup, www.uiowa.edu/~riverrun

If you are unable to participate in the race RiverRun is also looking for volunteers on race day. Check out the RiverRun Web site or call 319-335-3846 for more information on registration and volunteering for the race.

Last year almost 1,500 people ran along the River and though Iowa City for this great cause.  The RiverRun Executive Committee is aiming for an even greater participation this year.

University of Iowa RiverRun is a 5k run/walk/wheelchair & 10K run/wheelchair race.  All proceeds of the race will benefit Uptown Bill’s Small Mall, which is a collection of businesses owned and operated by people with disabilities.

For any questions please feel free to contact Jess Cole (Executive Director) at iowa.riverrun@gmail.com or 319-325-0608. 

Read a recap of the event!