7 Things to Know About the Oak Apple Run

The Oak Apple Run, which takes place this Saturday, is open to all ages of individuals as well as groups and families and wheelchair racers.
 
There are four races: a 10K run, a 5K run, a 2 mile fun run/walk and a 1/4 mile kids run. They'll start, staggered, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Runners report to the starting area, at Main Street between Second and Third streets, 30 minutes prior to the start time for 2 mile fun run/walk, 5K and 10K run. The 1/4 mile kids begins at the corner of Main and Fourth.

Here are some things you should know about the event:

1. The Oak Apple Run benefits the Boys and Girls Club's holiday basket program, which provides families and seniors in need with gifts and food for Christmas.
2. The Oak Apple Run 10K race is certified, meaning runners can use their times to help qualify for marathons and other races. Chips, which automatically tabulate time and place as the runners cross the finish line, are embedded in race bibs. The 10K race starts a 7:30 a.m. If you register for the 10K race online by Friday, the entry fee is $38. The fee goes up to $45 on the day of the race.
3. The 5K race is new this year. "We are trying to fill the gap between the fun runners and the more serious 10K athletes," said Kim Frentz, the event's director.  If you register for the 5 mile race online  by Friday, the entry fee is $35. The fee goes up to $40 on the day of the race. The 5K race means more streets are closed this year. Click here for a list of streets affected.
4. The 2 mile run/walk begins at 8:45 a.m.  You can run competitively or just enjoy a leisurely walk. If you register for the 2 mile run/walk online  by Friday, the entry fee is $30. The fee goes up to $35 on the day of the race.
5. The highlight of the day for many is the 1/4 mile kids run. Children 12 and under run, walk or sprint in a safe enclosed loop that starts and finishes at Fourth and Main Street. Each child receives an Oak Apple Run T-shirt, race bib, trophy and, courtesty of McDonald's, a bag filled with goodies. If you register for the kids run online  by Friday, the entry fee is $30. The fee goes up to $35 on the day of the race. 
6. All runners and walkers who attend an award ceremony are eligible to win a bike. One name will be drawn at approximately 8:30 a.m. following the 10K and 5K races and another at approximatley 9:45 a.m. following the the 2 mile run/walk and 1/4 mile kids run. The award cermonies take place on Center Street near Third Street. Runners and walkers must be present to win.
7. Meter parking will not be enforced until 2 p.m. on Saturday so that runners and walkers can grab a bite to eat or go shopping after the races!