Visit Wabash County is thrilled to announce that registration for Wabash – Run the River, the first half marathon in downtown Wabash, is now open. Visit Wabash County will attract runners of all levels and ages to participate in the Wabash – Run the River race on June 11. Runners can sign up for a half marathon (13.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), or a 5K (3.1 miles). Cash prizes will be awarded to the top half marathon finishers.
Wabash – Run the River has three course options that lead runners from the heart of downtown out to the Wabash River Trail and back, with the start/finish line being on Miami Street. The half marathon will start at 5:30 p.m. and the 10K and 5K run will start at 6:00 p.m.
The title sponsor for the inaugural event is Chittick Insurance, located at 85 W Canal Street, Wabash, IN. “Fitness plays a role in the overall well being of any community,” said Matthew Chittick, president of Chittick Insurance. “Supporting events that encourage people to be active within their own community is part of the culture at Chittick Insurance. We are proud to be the title sponsor for the event and are eager to see it grow year after year.”
In conjunction with the race, Visit Wabash County is organizing a Block Party which will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Miami Street. Food and drink vendors will be set up on the east side of the street next to the runner’s corral. The event is designed to attract spectators to the race and offer entertainment to the friends and family members of the participating runners. A DJ will be spinning tunes and additional seating will be offered to create a community block party atmosphere.
“Offering a half marathon is a natural addition to the Wabash County Outdoor Adventure Series especially with the completion of the Wabash River Trail,” said Christine Flohr, executive director at Visit Wabash County. “The Wabash – Run the River race is already attracting attention from across the region.”
In an effort to help local runners train for the event, Visit Wabash County in partnership with Rich Church have launched the Wabash River Running Club. The group meets once a week at 8:00 a.m. at the Wabash County YMCA. The idea is to build a running community of friends of all ages and running levels.
“Running is always better with friends,” said Hayley Renbarger, marketing strategist for Visit Wabash County. “Building a running community around you will push you to reach your running goals, while feeling motivated and accountable. Plus, you’re almost always guaranteed a few laughs.”
More information about Wabash – Run the River, the Block Party, or the Wabash River Running Club is available online at www.visitwabashcounty.com or contact Hayley Renbarger via email at hayley@visitwabashcounty.com or by calling 260.563.7171.