November 1, 2023

River City Races News

Hooray for the Pupkin Spice 5k!


Rain held off until halfway into the race but that didn't stop Overall Male and Fastest Costumed Runner Joey Black from taking the overall crown. Emily Wiegel was the fastest female, Christina Simms and Prabakar Harikrishnan were the top masters and not only were Simon Corcoran and Kristin Booker the top grandmasters but both were second overall!


Top winners in the costume contest, overall and team results and race photos can be found by clicking here.


Award Reveal for Polar Bear Grand Prix!


Since we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary, in addition to backpacks for those who enter the Polar Bear Grand Prix (if you entered the three races through the Run the 502 Six Pack you are also eligible for the PBGP Backpack) we have this year one of a kind awards for overall and age group winners.


Top three overall male and female, Master, Grandmaster, first in age group and first place teams will receive the Polar Bear Grand Prix Igloo trophy and top three in each age group, all team members and overall winners will receive the Polar Bear Grand Prix pen and penlight set.


Click here for details and to register for the Polar Bear Grand Prix.

Frostbite 5k Shirt Reveal!


Once again upping the game for the 20th Anniversary of the Polar Bear Grand Prix.


This years race shirt for the Frostbite 5k will be a long sleeve tech fabric hoodie, modeled to the left by our Ops Manager Niki Workman. Shirts guaranteed to the first 500 to register, sizes on a first come first serve basis.


In addition addition to the tech hoodie there are finisher medals (make sure you earn that finisher medal from the Reindeer Romp and Snowman Shuffle to complete the Polar Bear Grand Prix medal, see below for all three medals), free race photography, Fleet Feet Team Challenge and more.


Details and to register for the Polar Bear Grand Prix click here, for the Frostbite 5k only click here.


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Featured Article

Runner Spotlight - Allecia Hull

3rd Place 30-34 Female in the Polar Bear Grand Prix

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I ran cross country in high school, but my running habits have been off and on since then—mostly off. In 2021 though I got Covid and couldn’t seem to shake the fatigue for months after, so a friend suggested I start running with her to build up stamina. I haven’t stopped since then! 


Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

I was researching races to do locally to help me stick to my work-outs and discovered this series. I loved the races so much even with the hills and the cold I plan on making this an annual tradition.


Favorite distance?

I like any run between 4-6 miles. I like longer runs but I start getting bored after about an hour of running if I am not with someone. 


Favorite place to run?

Beckley Creek Park—there are so many trails and places for you to run and explore. 


Favorite or most unique race you have run?

I really like the Derby Festival Half Marathon. The vibe is so energetic and fun, and I love that we get to run through Churchill Downs. There were even horses out practicing at last year’s race which was so cool to see.  


Favorite thing about running?

It fixes a lot of my problems! Slight headache? Just run. Feeling anxious or angry? Lace up your sneakers! Whether I need to think through a problem, burn some energy or am feeling sluggish running always tends to make things better. 


Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

You are going to have some rough runs, but you can’t have great runs without them! Just try to push yourself a little bit more than you think you can. It’s also ok if your body is screaming to walk or have a rest day---even if it wasn’t scheduled. 


Why do you like running River City Races events?

I have only run the Polar Prix (but plan on signing up for the Run the 502 this year!) but I loved that it was dog friendly. It was so fun to run alongside them…even though it’s been tempting me to get my own running dog much to my husband’s chagrin! :)

2023 Run the 502, Just Four Left!


Are you running the Run the 502? Click here for races entered and finished through the Pupkin Spice 5k. If you feel you are either missing from the list or we missed a race, respond to this email and we'll look into it.


Enter six races on the calendar below (and sign up for the Run the 502) and you'll receive a special Run the 502 medal. All finishers who have entered the Run the 502 and finished any River City Races event through the end of the year will receive a bonus finisher's charm with each individual race logo on it to hang your finisher charms on. Medal and charms will be mailed to each participant at the conclusion of the Run the 502 series on February 10th, the Snowman Shuffle.


For you convenience, you can enter six races on the calendar (and take advantage of the early bird prices on each) at one time with the Run the 502 Six Pack. Click here for more details and to register for six races.


Please note, you must be registered for the Run the 502 (no additional charge), enter the six races on the calendar and you are eligible for the medal but only finishers of a race will receive a charm.


Click here to register for the 2023 Run the 502.


Below are the races included in this year's calendar:

*Polar Bear Grand Prix Race Series

Santa Sprint & Stroll 5k
Saturday, December 16th at 9:00 a.m. at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park

This merry 5k Run/ Walk will benefit the work of United Crescent Hill Ministries and an event that The Courier Journal once called "more festive than the run-of-the-mill 5k," with both serious runners and holiday merrymakers.

  • Scenic course in Cherokee Park, click here for course map
  • Long Sleeve Cotton Blend Shirt including Youth sizing
  • Refreshments served after the race
  • Age Group Awards with five year categories for Top 3 finishers in each age group
  • Photos with SANTA 

Click here for more details and to register.

2023/2024 Polar Bear Grand Prix

IT'S OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!!!

For the 20th year, River City Races has been producing a series of races this winter to keep you motivated to stay out runnin' on the roads! The Polar Bear Grand Prix is three races in December, January and February. Enter all three here and in addition to each race goodie, the first 500 to register get a special 20th Anniversary gift, a packable Polar Bear Grand Prix Backpack!

The Polar Bear Grand Prix is also scored on a points format based on finishes in each race with awards for the top three men and women overall, overall Male and Female Master and Grandmaster and awards in age groups, 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54,55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over. ALL finishers of all three Polar Bear Grand Prix races will receive a custom PBGP finisher medal at the end of the Snowman Shuffle.

  • Reindeer Romp 4k: Saturday, December 9th, 9:00 a.m. at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park. Register by November 15th to be guaranteed a pair of Reindeer Romp running socks.  

  • Frostbite 5k: Saturday, January 13th, 9:00 a.m. at the Rugby Field in Cherokee Park. Register by December20th to be guaranteed a long sleeve 1/4 zip technical shirt so get your entry in early! Those who register after December 20th will receive a shirt on a first come, first serve basis.

  • Snowman Shuffle 4 Mile: Saturday, February 10th at 9:00 a.m. at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park.  Register by January 23, 2022 be guaranteed a Snowman Shuffle toboggan (matches last year's Snowman Shuffle running socks.

Polar Bear Grand Prix Team Challenge

The Polar Bear Grand Prix Team Challenge is open to any 3 to 5 person teams in three divisions: Male, Female, or Coed. Fastest three on each team are scored, the Coed team must score one woman. Your team can choose to participate in any individual or all three Polar Bear Grand Prix races. There will be a Team Challenge Polar Bear Grand Prix Award for any team that wins all three races in their division. You will not only compete for team awards; each team member is also eligible for an individual time and awards! There is no additional fee to participate in the Polar Bear Grand Prix Team Challenge.

All members (5 maximum) of the winning team in each division will receive a $20 Fleet Feet gift card!

We have a charity partner for all three races of the Polar Bear Grand Prix, The Olmsted Parks Conservancy! 

Louisville has the greatest parks system in the country and we all enjoy running and walking in them. Help maintain their beauty by donating and/or fundraising! It's easy and fun and if you raise $250 or more, your registration is FREE! More details on how to fundraise or the option to make a donation when you register. 

Click here for more details and to register.
Reindeer Romp 4k
Saturday, December 9th at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park
First leg of the Polar Bear Grand Prix.

Four kilometer (2.4 miles) run and walk on the Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park.  Click here for a course map. Great way to kick off the 2024 running/walking season just a little early.

More fun at the Reindeer Romp, A COSTUME CONTEST!  Let's see your best Christmas fun.  

Contest categories:
  • Most Christmasy
  • Ugliest Sweater
  • Best Hat
  • Best Couple Costume
  • Best Group Costume
  • Best Stroller Costume
  • Best Pet Costume
  • Fastest Costumed Male & Female

Click here for more details and to register.
Frostbite 5k
Saturday, January 13th at 9:00 a.m. at Rugby Field in Cherokee Park
Second race of the Polar Bear Grand Prix, the Frostbite 5k is by far the most popular race of the series and the best value on the running calendar with a long sleeve, ¼ zip technical race shirt with your entry fee.

Registration features:
  • Free race photography
  • Age Group Awards
  • Awards for Overall, Masters and Grand Masters
  • Team competition

Click here for more details and to register.

Snowman Shuffle 4 Miler

Saturday, February 10th at 9:00 a.m. in Cherokee Park

Third and final race of the Polar Bear Grand Prix.  Four mile run and walk through scenic Cherokee Park, starts at Hogan's Fountain and winds its way along Beargrass Creek to Big Rock Park and back around the Scenic Loop.  Enter just the Snowman Shuffle or make the full commitment to participate in all three races.

Click here for more details and to register.
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