With Dori Degenhardt
Healthy Planet Outdoors & Fitness Edior
June is what I like to refer to as “bring on the races!” month. There are usually more 5Ks this month than any other out there. There are many websites touting their own 5 and 10K races, however, I’ve found that Matt and Ben over at Big River Running have the best outline of all the local runs on their website. I’ll mention a few below but be sure to check out the full list on www.bigriverrunning.com. And pop into the store and tell them Dori at the Healthy Planet sent you – never hurts to support a local specialty shop – they are becoming few and far between.
On Sunday, June 6th, join a group of energetic sophomores from John Burroughs, MICDS and Ladue High Schools and other 5K runners and walkers for a fundraising event to benefit the St. Louis Crisis Nursery. The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is an independent, not for profit, agency funded by donations and committed to preventing child abuse and neglect by providing short-term, emergency shelter for children, birth through 12 yrs old, whose families are faced with emergencies or who are in crisis. This run begins at 10:00 a.m. at John Burroughs School, 755 Price Road (please use the Clayton Road entrance.) The cost is $20 per runner and all proceeds go directly to St. Louis Crisis Nursery. Online registration is available at www.getmeregistered.com/stlcrisisrun — first 200 entries receive a t-shirt! Race-day registration and packet pick-up from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. on the morning of the event.
The Tour de Grove 5K and the Running of the Grove will indeed be a race like no other. This biking AND running event will take place on Sunday, June 13th at 7:30 a.m. Awards will be given to the Top 3 Overall Men and Women AND 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female in each age group. All racers will receive an exemplary event T-Shirt that, according to the race committee, will quickly become their “Go To” running T-Shirt, guaranteed. The NCR Tour de Grove race course is located in mid-town St. Louis. Parking will be available at the intersection of Vandeventer and Chouteau Avenues.
Awards will take place during the Category 5 Race of the Tour de Grove on the Awards Stage. Runners can pre-register online at www.sportsbaseonline.com or register on-site on the day of the event. The Tour de Grove 5K will take place regardless of weather- rain, snow, locusts, fire, ice, lava. No refunds. Register early as the event will fill up; last day for online registration is June 9th. Bicycle Race Entry is $45 and the 5K Run is $25. Check out www.tourdegrove.com for the specific location details and all the latest event info. Pick up your race number early @ Big Shark Bicycle Co, Fri. June 11th, 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm or Sat. @ the Mid Town Alley Grand Prix.
I’ve never heard anything like it. According to their website, “This race {on Saturday, June 19th} ain’t your usual dignified, citified, suit-and-tied race!” As the sun goes down, this race will take teams of two across the metro area. You’ll be running…but you and a teammate will also be solving clues, completing challenges, using public transportation and setting your own course. There will be a number of destinations that you must find. Some destinations will involve a mental or physical challenge to complete, some destinations will have you take a picture to prove you were there, all destinations will be fun! Twilight Town Trek combines the best elements of a 5K, a scavenger hunt, an obstacle course, and a strategy game into the urban adventure race of the year. And, even better, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local St. Louis animal shelter. Run the race, have a blast, help the furry ones…a perfect trifecta! This race is perfect for runners and brainiacs alike. However, you don’t need to be an athlete or a genius to participate! Urban adventure races are for anyone who wants to have some fun with their run. You may utilize public transportation to reach your destination. Strategize wisely…last one back is a rotten egg! Whether you’re looking for a new adventure, a good competition and the opportunity to experience St. Louis in a new light (twilight!) or just something fun to do on a Saturday night, this race is for you! Visit http://www.towntreks.com/ for the St. Louis event that will be held on Saturday, June 19th.
Never a dull moment in the life of an outdoor-loving adventurist. Enjoy the month of June to its fullest!