Online registration is open for the longest-held annual running race in the city.
The Jacksonville Memorial Hospital 5K/10K presented by Gatorade kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, on the campus of the nonprofit hospital, 1600 W. Walnut Street, Jacksonville.
“We welcome both walkers and runners to this event,” said Kevin Eckhoff, who has served as the director of the race since its start in 1994, when the event was known as the Passavant-Gatorade 5K/10K. “The fast, flat course is ideal for experienced competitors as well as those preparing to complete their first 5K or 10K.”
Online registration is open through Oct. 18. Cost is $30. Register by Oct. 8 to guarantee a race-branded tech shirt. Registration fees are $35 on the day of the race. To register online, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/90366/jmh-gatorade-5k10k.
First, second and third place awards will be presented to male and female runners in 13 age categories. In addition, the first 200 runners to cross the finish line receive a custom finisher’s medal and all participants will be eligible to win prize drawings.
In-person registration and packet pick-up will be offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield. A second opportunity to register in-person will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, in the main lobby of Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.
Proceeds from this year’s race benefit the Prairieland United Way.