Adam Duesterhaus, Laura Sievert, and Roman and Amy Salamon and their son at the Bridge the Gap to Health race.

Last month, I completed my first 5k run at Bridge the Gap, and I must have gotten bitten by the running bug while I was there, because I’m planning on participating in two more runs in the next few weeks. Here’s the info on those events, plus a fun-run for kids that you can get involved in this summer.

10th Annual Running Raider Classic
June 25, Quincy

This event benefits the Quincy Notre Dame cross-country and wrestling teams.  Runners can choose from a 5k run or walk, a 10k run, or a one mile Fun Run for kids under 13 years old.  The courses all begin at Quincy Notre Dame High School and go towards South Park and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.  The 10k course takes runners through Indian Mounds park.  Pre-registrations are accepted through Saturday June 11 ($18 for adults, $15 for youth, $10 for the fun run) online at www.signmeup.com/71106 . (Registration after June 11 will be $23 for adults, $20 for youth, and $10 for the fun run). For more details on the event, you can contact Andy Edgar at (217) 257-6227 or email raiderclassic@hotmail.com

The Hannibal Cannibal
July 2, Hannibal, Mo.

The tag line to the Hannibal Cannibal is,  “It will eat you up!” I have the feeling that the tag line does not exaggerate! Last year, over 1700 runners from 26 states participated, and the event has become known as one of the toughest races in the US.  Why is it tough? One word: Hills.  The biggest one? Lover’s Leap.  There are 10k and 5k runs at the Cannibal, or a 5k walk, and all of the courses go up the bluff leading to Lover’s Leap.  I’m psyched, but not expecting to set new speed records.  This one is about survival!  Proceeds from the Hannibal Cannibal benefit Hannibal Regional Hospital. For more information and to register, visit www.hannibalcannibal.com or search Hannibal Cannibal on Facebook.

Kids Running for Kids: St. Jude Runs
July 16

This year, your kids can go the extra mile for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital! The first nnual Event is sponsored by the Grimm-Schlipman Financial Group and will be held July 16 at Quincy’s South Park.  Children grades K-8 are encouraged to come out and run or walk the 1.13 mile track to help benefit the hospital. Families and friends are also welcome to participate.  You can cheer your child on, or run as a family and cross the finish line together. All of the registration fees go to the kids of St. Jude. Cost to participate is $10 for kids, $15 for parents.  Participants will also receive an event T-shirt, race number, and a certificate of completion. To find out more about the event visit http://tinyurl.com/kidsforkids or email Jenny Craven at jcraven@gsnvest.com to get an entry form.

Laura Sievert