Husky 5K Is Set For June 20Walkers and runners - whether serious or just for fun - can participate in the Husky 5K June 20.
All proceeds from the community event go toward the construction of the second half-mile trail at Harrison Elementary School.
Last year, there were 258 registered participants, said co-chair Scott Mehlberg. Runners and walkers came from as far north as Michigan, and as far south as Muncie. This year, he said, they want more than 350 participants.
"We've tried to just add more things to make it family friendly," he said.
Along with raising funds for the trail, he said, "The goal is to get people physically active."
Registration starts at 8 a.m. June 20 in the Harrison Elementary School gymnasium. The 1-Mile Fun Run is at 9 a.m., the 5K begins at 9:15 a.m. and the Pee Wee Run starts at 10 a.m. The 5K starts and ends at Harrison Elementary.
"We highly encourage walkers, and for different organizations and groups to walk," said Mehlberg. "It's not just for serious runners."
In 2008, the youngest participant was Mehlberg's 2-year-old daughter. The oldest person was in his 60s.
Pre-registration fee is $10 until June 10. Each person who pre-registers will receive a shirt. After June 10 and on race day, the registration fee is $12. There is a $30 maximum charge for immediate family members, with three shirts guaranteed. Additional shirts are $8 each. Checks can be made payable to Harrison Elementary School.
There is a race or walk for every member of the family.
For the 5K Walk and Run, age group categories are: 12 and under; 13-15; 16-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; and 70 and older.
The 1-Mile Fun Run is open to any age, Mehlberg said.
The Pee Wee Run, which is a quarter of a mile, is for children 8 years old and under on race day. Mehlberg said each child in the Pee Wee Run receives an award. Last year, he said, the highlight for him was watching the parents as they watched their children run in the Pee Wee.
Mehlberg said there will be plenty of door prizes. Some of the prizes include a Trek Mountain bike, Vera Bradley items and gift certificates to restaurants and hotels.
5K Awards will be given to first, second and third place in each age group, with a special trophy to the first overall male and female.
Mehlberg said they have made some improvements this year. The 5K Run/Walk will be chip timed. They've added workers for traffic safety.
Entertainment will be provided by Provident Studios.
"It's just a neat opportunity for all ages," said Mehlberg of the Husky 5K.
Sponsors this year include Symmetry Medical, Silveus Insurance Group, Embarq, Dr. David VanWormer, Jansen Orthopaedic Clinic, KFC, Hallmark, The Scott Family, Runner's World and RoadID.
Mehlberg said any person or business interested in being involved is welcome to contact him.
For more information on the 5K, to register, or to be a sponsor, contact c0-chair Dan Graney at dgraney@warsaw.k12.in.us, Mehlberg at smehlberg@warsaw.k12.in.us or contact them through the Harrsion Elementary School office at 574-269-7533.
