The 13th annual Chase Race and Paws will be Saturday in downtown Conway, at Simon Park, 805 Front St. Created with animal lovers in mind, this footrace is for runners, walkers and pets of all abilities.
For starters, the Chase 2 Mile Walk/Run at 8 a.m. is a human race only, no dogs allowed. The course will be separated by cones for fast and slower runners. For traffic safety, the right side of the road will be marked off during the race.
Disposable chip-timing devices will clock racers as they cross the start and finish mat.
Next, a gun-timed One-Mile race for runners, walkers and dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds starts at 8:45 a.m. Both races begin and end in the park.
Those registered for the One-Mile also can participate in the "Paws" best costume competition for pets, with celebrity judges on board.
Also, there will be a Rescued Pet Parade, and animals being cared for by the Conway Animal Shelter will be available for adoption.
In the park's pavilion after the races, 195 trophies will be awarded to the fastest finishers. As Chase Race is part of the 2018 Grand Prix championship lineup, more awards than is typical are up for grabs. Besides the usual three-deep age-division honors, awards will go to the first five finishers in the most competitive age groups.
Winners in each age group will get free entry for next year's race. All finishers will receive a medal.
Packets will be available for pickup between noon and 6 p.m. Friday at The Sporty Runner, 1016 Van Ronkle St. in Conway, (501) 328-9255. On the day of the race, the packets will be available between 6:30 and 7:45 a.m. at Simon Park.
Each participant will be entered for door prizes and receive a goodies bag. Hot dogs and other refreshments will also be available.
The race began as a memorial to Donald Lee Chase Potter (1991-2005), son of Don and the late Cheryl Potter. Chase suffered two traumatic brain injuries before his death. The Potters wanted to keep alive the memory of the vibrant boy they knew before his injuries by using their knowledge of running to support a cause Chase loved: animals.
All race proceeds will benefit Friends of Conway Animal Shelter and Haven, a group home for adolescent girls in Conway. Over the years, the race has contributed $135,000 to nonprofits.
Registration for the Chase Race 2 Mile Run or Walk and Leashed Dog One Mile Run/Walk is $25; for both races it's $35.
More race and registration information can be found at chaserace.info.
JC Indoor Triathlon
The Jones Center hosts the Indoor Triathlon, a swim, bike, run event for ages 15 and up, at 8 a.m. Saturday inside The Jones Center, 922 E. Emma Ave. in Springdale.
Between 8:10 a.m. and 10:40 a.m., waves of nine participants will take off, starting with a 10-minute swim in the 25-yard lap pool. Then participants will have 10 minutes to change clothes and prepare to climb onto stationary bikes.
Riders can set their spin bike to their heart's desire for the 20-minute bike-riding portion, which takes place indoors. There will be a 5-minute transition in preparation for the run.
The 15-minute running portion will use treadmills.
The goal is to log the most miles in the time given. The highest mileage will score 100 points in each segment, with 300 points the potential top score. For example, the woman with the longest swim distance will earn 100 points for that segment, and the second-place swimmer will get 99 points.
The highest-scoring female and male first-, second- and third-place racers will receive an award.
Event staff will record participants' results.
Water and Gatorade will be available. All participants will get a triathlon souvenir and breakfast provided by Whole Foods.
Keep in mind for next year that Jones Center offers a six-week Ironman training and nutrition program leading to this event. Registration is $30 through the website at thejonescenter.net/indoor-triathlon.
Contact Meredith Cupp at [email protected] or (479) 756-8090, Extension 2168 for more information.
Spring Forward Walking Running Clinics
Sunday, the annual Women Can Run/Walk Clinics returned to Arkansas.
Offered free by groups of volunteers around the state, this "couch to 5K" program gradually builds up fitness until participants can complete a 3.1-mile event, the Women Can Run/Walk 5K in Conway on May 12.
For 10 weeks, each clinic will conduct twice-a-week group workouts.
These free support groups are for walkers and runners of all levels, and most clinics divide them into groups based on experience so that everyone has the help of someone at her own level. Beginning walkers groups will teach the walker how to walk longer. Group B walkers will focus on improving speed and endurance for the 3.1 mile walk, with slow-fast intervals.
Beginning runners groups focus on using intervals, while the intermediate groups set a goal of consistently running 3.1 miles without stopping. The advanced groups help runners increase distance and pace.
Women Run Arkansas, a statewide affiliate of the Road Runners Club of America, supervises the training schedule, but each clinic operates on its own terms. Thousands of women and girls have participated since 2000.
The website womenrunarkansas.net links to organizers in the cities with clinics. Don't see your city? Contact Yvonne Schrepfer at [email protected] or (337) 353-2185, or Linda Starr at [email protected] or (501) 472-7979.
Please send tips for active recreation events to
charlette.williams
@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 03/05/2018