JOPLIN, Mo. —
A competition is being encouraged among businesses and organizations that could work the hydration stations at this year’s Joplin Memorial Run.
The organization conducting the run also has selected entertainment for the event, and designs for awards and shirts.
This year’s Joplin Memorial Run is to be held Saturday, May 18, offering a half-marathon, a 5K and a kids’ run. Early registration fees are $55 for the half-marathon, $25 for the 5K and $10 for the kids’ run.
The event formerly was known as the Boomtown Run. It became the Joplin Memorial Run in remembrance of the 161 lives lost in the 2011 tornado. Banners bearing the names of those who died are being sold to mark the route of the half-marathon.
Members of the event committee are seeking businesses and organizations to staff hydration stations along the route. Money prizes will be awarded to the three stations that are judged the most enthusiastic, said a spokeswoman, Cameo Harrington.
Last year’s winning theme was a Tiki Hut, with tropical decorations and a crew that cheered and encouraged the runners along, Harrington said. Prizes will be $200, $150 and $100.
The committee has booked entertainment. AMI radio stations will broadcast live remotes along the course, and members of the Joplin Youth Cheerleaders will be cheering on the runners. The bands Felonious Monk, the Walrus Band and Third Party will perform.
Olympic medalist and cross-country standout Deena Kastor will be the guest speaker at the run banquet on Friday, May 17, at Missouri Southern State University. Tickets are $15 and are available on the run’s website at www.joplinmemorialrun.com. Those who wish to attend the banquet do not have to be enrolled for the run.
Kastor took the bronze medal in the marathon in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. She ran in the Olympics three times, including in 2008 in Beijing.
The Joplin Memorial Run’s theme is “Run, Remember, Rebuild.”
Runners and volunteers may sign up on the event’s website, including groups that want to operate the hydration stations.
2012 event
LAST YEAR’S EVENT attracted nearly 3,000 participants and raised about $30,000 for charitable organizations.
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