The Jefferson City Rotaract has announced it will be hosting the third annual Kicks in the Sticks on Saturday at Binder Park.
Participants who attend this fundraiser and trail race can choose to run or walk a 1.2-, 3.5- or 7.5-mile course on a mountain bike trail through the woods. Rotaract is attempting to create an ambiance akin to a festival or jamboree with food, drink and music, so those who just want to hang out will also help out.
"This is actually going to be my first year attending," said Porcshe Moran of Rotaract. "We will have food from the Black Market Burger Company, and Fechtel Beverage is providing beer. The Bobby Showers Band and Driving Wheel will be providing entertainment, and Central Dairy will be providing chocolate milk at the race."
The event will help raise funds for Rotaract's service partners, the Helping Arts Liberate Orphans (HALO) Foundation and Central Missouri Community Action Center Cole East Head Start. The partners will receive proceeds form the $35 entry fee from racers. This fee pays for the race, a shirt, one food ticket, one drink ticket and access to the entertainment. Racers who want to walk the 1.2-mile course have a $30 entry fee. Those who are not running can just purchase the $10 drink cup for the day of the event to enjoy the adult beverages and bands.
"Last year, we were able to donate just little under $5,000 for our service partners," said Kaleb Little, Rotaract president. "We rotate our service partners every two years, so this year they started. Last year, we were partnered with HALO and with Buddy Packs from the Food Bank."
This year's event will be slightly different from the last one, Little said. There are different sponsors, so there may be different vendors, and there are different bands as well, he explained. There are also some minor changes to the courses.
"Even if you are not a big-time runner, you can come help support our charities," Little said. "A lot of organizations do runs and 5Ks, but this one is definitely different. This is definitely not your average 5K. You are really running out in the woods, out in the sticks ... and it not only about raises money for our charities, but it raises awareness about what they do."
Children under 5 will have free entry, but donations are welcomed. Children 10 and over can choose their own distance, but any under 10 are limited to the 1.2-mile course. Also unique awards made by children of the HALO Foundation will be given to racers.
"Rotaract has requested 30 medals for us to make, so I believe they are making categories, and we will give medals to the top three runners in each category," said Elle Benage, the director of the local HALO learning center. "Each one is made by a different youth. So some are really detailed, and some are abstract. It is just really fun, and it goes to a good cause, and it is a way for the kids to give back."
The event starts at 4 p.m., and the bands will play until 8 p.m. Press releases from the Rotaract state that typical running and walking gear is recommended. Participants can register and get more information about the race and entertainment at www.kicksinthesticks.com.