Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Races for All Paces attracted 840 participants from ages 1 to 84, Saturday, May 12, as the annual event honored first responders this year.
Hosted at Eastern Illinois University, Race Director Laura Bollan credits EIU for its overwhelming success. “It was such an added bonus for race participants to start in O’Brien Stadium, run through the ‘tunnel’ and end in the stadium. With the added use of the stadium, participants and guests were able to enjoy the Kids Zone that included inflatables, face and rock painting and a photo booth.” The EIU Pep Band performed throughout the event adding excitement to those as they crossed the finish line.
The 12th annual event included a challenging chip-timed half marathon, 10K, and 5K, and non-timed 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash.
To view complete race results go to https://app.raceresults360.com/#/race/URDQbd/Half%20Marathon
Bollan explained that the vision for Races for All Paces is to get people moving and find fun in an inclusive event. Participants could Walk with a Doc in the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk with Neurologist Fatima Alao, MD, Tom Dust, PA-C, Robert Thain, MD, and Jessica Mathenia, PA-C, and Jeremy Mathenia, PA-C.
This year, first responders were honored on race day and participating first responders received a special hat. Those honored included Mattoon Police Department, Mattoon Fire Department, Coles County Sheriff, Charleston Police Department, Charleston Fire Department, Wabash Fire Protection District and Lincoln Fire Protection District.
The family-friendly event also includes ‘touch-a-truck’ area to learn more about how our first responders help the community. A smoke house, fire trucks, police cars, K9 demonstrations, and a medical helicopter were on site for exploration. Rural King provided two red tractors and Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Healthy Kids KickStart car and Body Electric van were there as well.
Bollan said, “We wouldn’t be able to host Races for All Paces without the incredible support of the community -- the 150 volunteers who assist participants and direct traffic, the first aid support, those cheering along the route offering encouragement to runners and our event partners for their financial support.” All proceeds support Healthy Community programming.
Event Title partner was First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust; 5K partner was Rural King; Half Marathon partner was KC Summers Buick Toyota GMC; KidZone area partner was IlliniCare;Runner Timing and Tracking partner was Consolidated Communication; 10K partners were Wave Graphics, Gordon Food Service and Medical Weight Management; 1-Mile partners were Magee Studio, JWAG Photography, Golden Hour Photography, A Heart’s Desire Photography, Old State Road Christian Church, Mark’s My Store, Jimmy Johns and Niemeyer Kuboto Repair Service; Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash Partner were Sunshine Preschool, Mattoon and St. Mary School, Mattoon.
Races for All Paces is set for May 11, 2019 at EIU. For more information, contact Laura Bollan at 217 345-6828.