It's not too late to Run to Read!

At the annual Run to Read, everyone who participates leaves with a prize – a new hardback book of their choosing – child, teen or adult. The books are newly released titles that were submitted to The Missourian for consideration as Book Buzz or Novel Ideas selections.

Like a good book, this year’s Run to Read has been redesigned, according to event organizers, to make it easier to read and more engaging. The event, scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, is being moved to the newly renovated Washington Public Library.

The 5K (3.1 mile) run will route through downtown Washington with age divisions for children, ages 6-19, and adults. Overall awards will be presented to male and female youth and adults, along with first- through third-place medals in each adult age division and medals for all youth runners.

Concurrent with the 5K Run is a 1-mile walk for all ages. New this year, walkers will have the chance to read a block-by-block book. A Baby Buzz Dash will be held at the library at 8:45 a.m. for children ages 5 and below and all Dashers will receive medals at the finish.

Following the fitness, participants will meet author Ann Malaspina, who will share her inspirational book, “Touch the Sky,” about Olympic High Jumper Alice Coachman, the first African American to win a gold medal. “Touch the Sky” was a Missourian July Book Buzz Pick.

Malaspina’s presentation will be held inside the Library. Thanks to new expedited race timing, event organizers expect the author to speak at 9 a.m. and the medal ceremony to follow at 9:30.

Another change to the Run to Read this year is the cost to participate. The registration fee is $10 all the way up to the event. Participants who missed the Oct. 1 deadline for a free T-shirt will have the option to purchase a commemorative 10th anniversary Book Buzz shirt on race day.

A registration form may be downloaded here or picked up at the YMCA. Registered participants may pick up their race packets at the YMCA on the day before the race, Friday, Oct. 12 between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Sponsors for this year's event are NuStar Energy, Missouri State Teachers Association, Don Wildt Sheet Metal & Heating and Bank of Washington.

The Run to Read is organized by The Missourian and the Four Rivers Area Family YMCA. For more information, contact Dawn Kitchell at kitchelld@emissourian.com or (636)932-4301 or Becky Cox at the YMCA at BCox@ymcastlouis.org or(636)239-5704.