The Jefferson County Department of Parks and Recreation will hold its 12th annual Big River Run on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Northwest Sports Complex, 4900 Byrnesville Road, in House Springs.
The Big River Run, which includes 5K and 10-mile races, has a patriotic theme this year, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, said recreation manager Ryan Quirk.
“We knew that other runs were doing this across the country as well this year, so we thought we’d jump on,” he said. “We loved the design of the medal as well.”
Quirk said each race finisher will receive a red, white and blue participant medal.
The top three male and female finishers from each race will receive an additional “ribbon slider” with the Big River Run logo and place designation to add to their finisher medal, Quirk said.
“Especially this year with giving finisher medals as opposed to place medals and whatnot, I hope it’s more encouraging for the average runner to get out and go run the race because they know they can get something at the end just by finishing and not necessarily having to win or beat anybody out,” Quirk said.
There’s still time to sign up for the run, he said, adding that people may register in advance or on the day of the race.
As of Aug. 26, 60 runners and walkers had signed up. More than 100 runners and walkers are expected to participate.
Entry fees are $30 for the 5K and $40 for the 10-mile run. Any proceeds from the runs benefit various activities organized by the Parks and Recreation Department.
The races begin at 8 a.m., and participants may register and pick up their race packet between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.
Racing packets may be picked up before the race from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the High Ridge Civic Center, 2800 Community Lane. Both races start and end at the sports complex, with runners and walkers following the Big River on Byrnesville Road.
The 10-mile run participants will turn left onto Dutch Creek Road in the Cedar Hill area before turning around and returning to the park near the ballfields.
To register, visit raceroster.com and search “Big River Run.” For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 636-797-5334 or email parks@jeffcomo.org.