Pleasant weather greets runners, walkers
Posted on Sunday, January 6, 2008
BENTONVILLE - In spite of being rescheduled because of bad weather on the original date - Dec. 15 - the Tux on the Run Penguin Race drew a big field of 5 K runners and one mile runners and walkers.
Kalene Griffith, president of the Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and one of the organizers of Saturday's race, said she was thrilled to have so many participants.
"There are over 100 and that's more than we thought," Griffith explained. "Tux on the Run benefits the proposed Northwest Arkansas YMCA. This is the second year for the Run and I think we only had about 40 runners and walkers last year. We believe the YMCA would add to the quality of life in the region."
Runner Jack Stewart was wearing a penguin costume, complete with a big orange bill and orange feet attached loosely to his running shoes. His wife Mary created the penguin suit for him. A few other runners were decked out in costumes, including Carol "Wild Dog"Maxwell who was wearing a crown emblazoned with 2008, black shorts and a white top.
"I'm a member of the Road Dog Running Club out of Fayetteville," Maxwell said. "The club actually started in Clarksville but we have members all over the state. We run in races throughout the state and always have fun. ' Wild Dog' is my running name and I can prove it. See ."
Maxwell pointed to a tattoo on her shoulder with her running name stamped in blue and red ink.
President of the NWA YMCA board Chris Sooter was visiting with organizers and runners.
"We're in the midst of our founders' campaign," Sooter said. "Our goal is to raise between $ 400, 000 and $ 600, 000 in three years. That would allow us to hire a staff person and help with our plans. We don't have a facility and that's what the national YMCA board recommends. We have our provisional charter. It's good for one more year. After next year, we'll have to reapply. We've had a few events including a swimming program and a Kid's Day last May that taught about healthy nutrition and habits.
Seven-year-old Keelah Griffith and Keegan, her 9-year old brother, were preparing to compete in the one mile walk / run. Both said they like to run and seemed eager to get going along the course.
Bentonville Mayor Bob Mc-Caslin and his wife Lana Mc-Caslin were greeting the runners before their races began and wishing them well.
"This is great, isn't it ? "Mc-Caslin asked. "I've lived in places where you couldn't even see the ground for all the snow on January 5 th. You don't really even need a jacket here in Bentonville this morning."
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