McKendree’s ‘Harvest Challenge’ 5K and Half-Marathon is Set for Sept. 7

Lebanon, Ill. — Choose your distance, a 5K run-walk or a half-marathon run, in McKendree University’s annual “Harvest Challenge” road race on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Lebanon, Ill.

Start time is 8 a.m., after a pre-race course and safety briefing at 7:40 a.m. The 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) and 13.1 mile courses begin on campus and travel through historic downtown Lebanon and the surrounding area. The 5K route then goes to Horner Park and returns to the finish line on campus. The half-marathon winds through the rolling farmland of northern St. Clair and southern Madison Counties and finishes back on campus. Walkers and strollers are welcome to participate in the 5K only.

“Our race is a good training opportunity for runners who will compete in the Dayton, Ohio, Air Force Marathon in mid-September or the Chicago Marathon in mid-October,” said Kim Smallheer, assistant director of athletics at McKendree University and the race organizer. More than 220 runners and walkers participated in last year’s Harvest Challenge. It is one of nine sanctioned St. Clair County “Get Up & Go!” Cup events.

The entry fee is $15 for the 5K and $33 for the half-marathon or $20 and $40 respectively, for race day sign up. Register in person on campus at the intramural gym inside the Melvin Price Convocation Center on Alton St., or download and mail in the form on the website mckendree.edu/raceday. Online registration is also available (for a small fee) at active.com. Mailed entries must be postmarked by Sept. 3.

Three-quarter-sleeve T-shirts for 5K participants and long-sleeve “performance” T-shirts for half-marathoners, as well as post-race refreshments, will be provided while supplies last. Medals and trophies will go to the age group and overall winners. All half-marathoners will receive “Finisher” medals.

For more information, call (618) 537-6420 or (618) 537-6941 or visit www.mckendree.edu/raceday.