The Great River Road Road Race provides a unique way to experience the beauty of fall in McGregor, Iowa, for both competitive runners and those who prefer to stroll. The annual 5K/10K takes place on Saturday, October 5th at 8:30am at Pikes Peak State Park. GRRRR is a chip-timed event. Overall male and female 5K and 10K winners will be recognized along with top finishers in each age category. Age categories range from 14 and under to 80 and up. “Previously, it stopped at 60 and up. Last year we had participants in all age categories,” said GRRRR organizer Duane Boelman.
“We’re proud to announce a new improvement for the 2024 race, Our course is now officially certified and sanctioned by USA Track and Field,” Boelman added. “This means our course has been measured and meets USATF’s standards for safety, medical support, and other race essentials.” This improvement was made possible with financial support from Crossing Rivers Health and the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities. The certification remains formally acknowledged by USATF for 10 years.
There are personal benefits for runners that come with the certification. You can trust you are running the exact distance you signed up for and your performance can count towards national ranking and qualification for other races. GRRRR is excited to provide this benefit to participants while improving the prestige and professionalism of our event.
All participants will receive a long-sleeve shirt, merchandise bag from local merchants, after race refreshments and a complimentary pancake breakfast. An optional toping of chicken gravy is available at the breakfast, which is surprisingly delicious and unusual post-race tradition. Chickens can be found on the race logo and shirt design each year, as a nod to those who give it a try. The pancake breakfast is also open to the public from 8 to 10:30a.m., with free will donations appreciated. Volunteers from the Turner Park: Fitness for All Ages committee organize the breakfast. Proceeds will benefit improvements at McGregor’s Turner Park.
GRRRR proceeds will support the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce.
Register for GRRRR at . Early registration ends September 19th, and offers a lower rate and guarantees you a shirt on race day. Paper copies can be requested by emailing greatriverroadroadrace@gmail.com.
Comments