Spring is here, and that means it’s time to prepare for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Races for all Paces event, which is set for Saturday, June 7 at Eastern Illinois University.
The multi-race event includes a 5K, 10K, one-mile run/walk, toddler trot and diaper dash, and raises funds for the SBL Dental Program. The program provides preventive and restorative care for children throughout the area. A dental team visits schools to provide the preventive care while the restorative care is provided in the dental clinic at 225 Richmond Avenue East, Suite B, in Mattoon. Volunteer dentists are key partners in the program, providing restorative care in their clinics for children who need additional or further extensive care.
“Races for all Paces is a great event for community members to have fun and exercise, and it garners a lot of support for the SBL Dental Program,” Tracy Haddock, SBL Healthy Communities director, said. “Many children in the community need quality dental care, and this annual event helps us continue to provide essential dental care.”
Registration is open online at www.sarahbush.org/races. All information for the races, including a registration link, course maps and training plans, are also available online.
T-shirts are available for participants who register by May 18, except for participants of the Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash, and all finishers of the 10K run/walk, 5K run/walk and the one-mile fun run/walk will receive medals.
All events start and finish at O’Brien Field at EIU. The 10K run/walk kicks off the day at 7:50 am, and the 5K run/walk follows at 8:15 am. Participants can enjoy a scenic jaunt around the EIU campus. Registration for both races is $30 and $5 for kids 17 and under. Chip-timing and first aid stations are available for all who participate in the 10K and 5K.
Following the 5K, the one-mile fun run/walk starts at 9:30 am. Registration is $15 and $5 for kids 17 and under.
The Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash will also be held, allowing the littles ones to get involved. At 10:15 am, the Toddler Trot, for kids ages three to five, starts at the 50-yard line of O’Brien Field. After the Toddler Trot, kids three and under will also take off from the 50-yard line in the Diaper Dash. There is no registration fee for this, and participants will receive a prize when they cross the finish line. More fun will be available with activities in the south end zone.
If you cannot participate but still want to contribute, a link to donate is available online at https://www.sarahbush.org/races/.