Runners go pink during 5K run/walk in downtown Fort Smith

Cool fall weather with a slight breeze was the perfect weather for the more than two hundred runners/walkers who came out to support “Paint Downtown Pink” 5K Run/Walk which benefits the Ozark Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation presented by the Western Arkansas Runners.
 
The chip-timed race, held Saturday (Sept. 28), started and ended near the River Park Glass Pavilion for a road course through the Belle Grove Historic District and downtown.  There were seventeen age divisions for women and men. Medals were awarded to 1st-3rd place overall male and female runners and for 1st-3rd place in each age group.

Participants who had signed up by Sept. 6 were guaranteed a t-shirt. If runners/walkers pre-registered their fee was $25 and on the day of the race $30. Children 9 and under pre-registered was $15 and the day of the race $20.

Lorna Armstrong said “75% of the funds raised will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation with the rest of the funds going to the Western Arkansas Runners for their building.” This is the second year for the event and this year the course was certified.

Armstrong also said “we try to cater drawings for the runners. This year we have a Let’s Make A Deal.” Winners were able to exchange their gift for a hidden door with a “zonk” gift behind it. All winners had to wait to reveal their door chosen. Three of the bigger drawings were for a car detail from Melody and Sons Auto Body, a one-night stay at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs with gift certificates to eat out, and a one night stay at the Tucker Hollow Lodge.

The first runner came in just a little over 20 minutes. Volunteers set up snacks and water for the runners and walkers to replenish their spent energy.

After all runners and walkers had finished the race, drawings for gifts and metals were handed out to the top three finishers in the male and female division and overall top three finishers in the walking and running events separately.