Preparations are under way for extensive community involvement in the 33rd running of The Medical Center 10K Classic.
The annual race, which will be run Oct. 13 through downtown and will start and finish on the campus of Western Kentucky University, attracts thousands of runners, volunteers and spectators.
In addition to the 10K race that headlines the event each year, this year’s classic will also feature a 5K competitive run, a 10K wheelchair race, two Children’s Classic races for runners from kindergarten through sixth grade and the 1.5-mile Fun Walk.
Last year, a total of 1,369 competitors were in the 5K and 10K races.
Registration for the race begins Aug. 1, though businesses and churches can get a jump on getting involved through corporate and church challenges.
In these challenges, businesses and churches spearhead efforts to encourage their fellow employees or church members to participate in the event, and family and friends can count toward corporate participation.
Doris Thomas, vice president of Commonwealth Health Corp., which operates The Medical Center, said the corporate and church challenges are a way to motivate people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“It’s never too early to start, and if you’re not on a fitness program already, this is a good, fun way to get started,” Thomas said.
Those who register through the corporate or church challenges receive a $5 discount off the registration fee, with those registrations and payments to be made online by Sept. 14.
The businesses and churches that recruit the most participants will have their names or logos added to the event’s website and on a special team T-shirt, recognition at the awards ceremony and an option to display a banner with the winning business’s or church’s logo at the finish line and at the Health and Fitness Expo that will take place Oct. 12 at Sloan Convention Center.
“The whole purpose would be for businesses to encourage their employees to become active, and this is a good initiative for businesses to get their employees and churches to get their members involved,” Thomas said.
Harman Becker Automotive Services of Franklin won last year’s corporate challenge among employers with 250 or more employees, while Nasco was the winner among employers with fewer than 250 employees.
Woodburn Baptist Church won the church challenge among churches with 250 or more members and Community Church of Christ and Plano Baptist Church shared top honors for churches with fewer than 250 members.
— For more information, visit www.themedicalcenter10kclassic.com.
