New Hat - Race Promoter

So here is my first-time shot as a race promoter. Jake's BHS (Bolivar High School) Cross Country team is growing in numbers by leaps and bounds and historically has been (like the majority of XC programs in small school America) a step-child to the high-n-mighty Football and Basketball programs. Coach Bandy is challenging this mentality by running an incredible program which is 100% positive reinforcement and open to every ability of athlete; no one is 'not good enough', doesn't make tryouts, and most importantly doesn't sit the bench - everyone runs every meet.

In support of this program we (a handful of active minded parents of harriers) have put together a support base to ensure Coach doesn't have to deal with issues such as fund raising and pre-race meals & snack coordination. Earlier this year we solicited sponsorship for the Bolivar Invitational and ended up clearing over $1,500 for the program; needless to say we overshot our goal! These funds help buy tents/canopies for shelter at meets, offset some of the new uniform costs, and provide 'scholarships' for summer running camps for those who might not be able to afford it. The kids currently do not have team warm-up clothing and hopefully they will get them next year through our efforts. We have another fund raising opportunity next at the end of this month with the sale of t-shirts at the district XC meet here in Bolivar.

From the onset of getting to know Coach Bandy we have kicked around the idea of hosting/promoting trail running in the SWMO area as we are both huge fans and recognize the lack of off-road events in our specific area. We applied for permission to use Sac River Trails (a long and tedious process with the SPR/Greene County Park Board) as it is easily accessible and the established trails give a ton of course options. The main focus on this event is the high school runner who is looking for an event between MO State XC and The Footlocker's Regional Qualifier (in Wisconsin - Jake and crew went last year and are going back) and in doing this we are keeping the entry fees to $10 for 18yrs and below or older with an active college ID; $20 for adults. We also added in a free 1mile fun trail run. We looked at various dates and none seemed to fit our schedules until we finally said enough is enough and we have to get one on the calendar. I contacted Eric Johnson (long time fitness guru and manager of The Starting Block - an SPR running store) and together came up with the Liberator Trail Race (see below). We wanted something longer than a 5k, but short enough Joe-Runner could show up and complete. We have no idea what to expect in way of attendance, but you have to start somewhere and this is our start.

So, if you are a runner and tired of the asphalt every weekend then come out and support BHS XC.



If you are a 'crosser then you noticed there are no races on the 14th, but will make the following day's event in KC - strategic planning.