To properly celebrate the five-year milestone of the annual A-Maize-ing 5K and Fun Run, planners have added a new distance, giving runners a longer race option, says Police Lt. Adana Barber, run coordinator.
“The fifth year of the race is a landmark for us,” she said. “When we started this run back in 2009, we really had no idea it would become the premier run in Murphy. Through rain and sun and clouds, we’ve seen this race grow.”
What began as a way to kick off Murphy Maize Days with a bang, race organizers have since dedicated the race to raise funds to honor a pair of deceased fellow employees, added a school fitness challenge component and, last year, latched on the Mayor’s Cup predicted race contest.
Kimbrough Stadium will once again serve as starting and finishing point for the Saturday, Sept. 27 race. A one- mile walk/run will precede the 5K and 10 K inside the stadium. The walk/run will start at 7:45 a.m. with the 10K going off at 8 a.m. and the 5K shortly thereafter. An awards ceremony will follow at 9:30 a.m.
Baylor Medical Center Garland is the returning title sponsor, and all proceeds from the 5K run be donated to the International Melanoma Foundation in honor of the late Neal Golden, who succumbed to the disease in 2010. Funds collected from entries in the 1-mile Fun Run will be donated to the Sgt. Kyle Kucauskas Scholarship Fund. Called the Mile for Kyle, the scholarship fund honors the memory of Kucauskas who died in early 2013. And, the proceeds from the 10K will be donated to the Murphy Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.
“Registration is now open for the race on the Maize Days website, but it’s only available until Tuesday, Sept. 23. Then, only onsite registration will be available,” she said. Cost of the one-mile fun run is $10, the 5K is $25 and the 10K is $35. While online registration may be accomplished with a credit card, race day registration can only occur with cash or checks. Run packets can be picked up on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the City Hall entryway or at the registration table on race day.
Awards will be presented to the fastest male and female in the 5K and 10K along with the top three finishers in the following age categories: 10 and under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65 and over. All participants in all three races will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
“Participants who choose to enter the Mayor’s Cup will get an opportunity to have their names inscribed on the cup by accurately predicting their race time. The 5K and 10K male and female runners who get the closest to their prediction will win,” she said. Participating runners may not wear a watch or carry a timing device. The results on the racing chip will serve as the official time. The Mayor’s Cup is on permanent display at City Hall.
“We’re going to run the race, rain or shine. The two long routes are very scenic, and safe. Nevertheless, we will have Murphy Fire Rescue on standby for any emergencies. And, of course, we encourage all of our runners and families to attend the Maize Days festival,” added Barber.
Registration and more information can be obtained at www.murphymaizedays.com.