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Running for watermelon
Published 11:00 a.m., August 14, 2009
Participants can kick off Watermelon Day Aug. 15 in Vining by getting active in the Run for the Melon 5K and 10K.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. in Vining at the intersection of Highway 210 and 457th Avenue, across from the Big Foot statue. The race begins at 8 a.m.
Runners can pre-register at www.runforthemelon.com. Children under seven can run or walk for free.
The 5K race will take runners to Chippewa Island along East Battle Lake before turning around and heading toward the finish line. The 10K race will continue out to the tip of the island from the Vining side, race organizer Scott Gaustad said.
Gaustad is encouraging people to run or walk in the race. It’s for people to get active and stay healthy, he said.
Gaustad works as a physical therapist for the U.S. Public Health Service and said the agency recognizes the need for people to have physical training and good health.
He noted that it’s good to see smaller communities start races for their residents.
This is the third year for the Watermelon Day run. Gaustad said it was nice to see the enthusiasm and participation in its first year, when 85 runners participated.
Last year, about 168 runners participated.
This year Gaustad hopes the race continues to grow. So far there are 20 runners pre-registered. Gaustad said he expects that number to double next week and then the majority of runners to register on the day of the race.
Although its been said that there may be up to 300 runners at the race this year, Gaustad said he is realistically expecting between 200 and 250 runners if the weather is nice. The hard-core runners will run whether its rain or shine. Most people will wait to see what the weather is like before they register, he said.
Each runner will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Participants who are younger than seven will receive a button. Medals will be given in eight divisions in two categories, males and females. There will also be three door prizes given out.
Runners will be able to enjoy watermelon and water after the race.
Also following the race, caps, tote bags and water bottles will be available for purchase.
Although it’s not a USATF certified race this year, Gaustad said they are hoping to have next year’s race certified. The certification means the distance has been certified for accuracy and runners can receive race points for state-wide and national competition.
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