The Missourian’s annual Run to Read will take place this Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 a.m.
The event is being moved this year to the newly renovated Washington Public Library.
Everyone who participates will leave 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 organizers, to make it easier to read and more engaging.
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 younger. All dashers will receive medals at the finish.
Following the run, walk and dash, 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. Due 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 a.m.
Another change to the Run to Read this year is the cost to participate. The registration fee is $10. People can sign up the morning of the event.
Participants who preregistered by Oct. 1 may pick up their race packets, including their T-shirts, at the YMCA this Friday, Oct. 12, between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
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@ymcastl.org or 636-239-5704.
