Runners and cross-country teams will take on the hills and trails of Breaks Interstate Park during the 26th annual Kiwanis/Breaks Park 5K Cross Country Run on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The race will begin at 10 a.m. in the swimming pool area inside Breaks Interstate Park. The course will cover approximately 3.1 miles through some of the park’s central attractions, taking runners along portions of its trails toward the cottage area before returning to the swimming pool.
The event is open to runners of all ages and abilities. The individual entry fee is $15 in advance or $20 on race day. Registration for high school cross-country runners is $2 per team member, but T-shirts are not included with the high school team rate.
Trophies will be presented to the overall male and female winners and the top male and female finishers in the masters division for runners age 40 and older. Awards will also be presented to the top three finishers in each age group.
The age divisions are 14 and younger, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60 and older.
High school teams will also compete for team trophies and cash prizes in separate boys and girls divisions. Winning teams will receive $150, with $100 for second place and $75 for third place. Each school that brings a complete team will receive $50, except schools entering both boys and girls teams (one payment per school).
A 1.5-mile middle school cross-country meet will follow the main race. The middle school competition will include divisions for fifth- and sixth-grade runners and seventh- and eighth-grade runners. Trophies will be presented to the top three boys and girls in each division.
All participants will enjoy a pancake breakfast sponsored by Buchanan General Hospital. Parking and restrooms will be available at the park.
The event is sponsored by the Grundy Kiwanis Club, Rife’s TV, Food City, SunCoke Energy, Legacy Bank, Buchanan County Parks and Recreation and Buchanan General Hospital.
For registration information, contact Jon Rife at 276-935-2181 or [email protected]. You may mail registration forms to P.O. Box 724, Grundy, VA 24614.
