CAMANCHE —
Runners in the area can rejoice as the Camanche Classic 5K has been confirmed again this year, adding to its more than 25 years as part of the Camanche Days celebration.
The race typically brings 300-400 participants to the area each year.
“I’m so relieved that the race will continue,” Camanche Days Committee Member Brenda Larkey said.
Larkey was quoted in a Clinton Herald article published Thursday in which she said she was unsure that the race was going to continue due to lack of a race director.
D.J. Davis contacted the Herald later in the day to report that he will be the race director for this year’s event, which is expected to take place on Aug. 10 at 8 p.m., although the route is still being determined. Former director Dave Mink contacted Davis and has been training him on how to run the iconic event. Mink organized the race for nearly a decade, but stepped down after last year. The Camanche Classic remains a separate but complementary addition to Camanche Days.
The race started in 1985 when Garry Holstein, owner of Economy Coating, approached Jean Roeder with the idea to hold a race to honor local elite runner Phil Coppess.
He became one of the United States' best marathoners in the mid-1980s without being able to devote all his time to the sport.
“We would really like to tie it into Camanche Days more,” Davis said of the race. “We want to bring the runners to the other events too.”
Camanche Days and Camanche Classic organizers met with city officials today to discuss plans for the annual event with the construction hindering travel. There is a possibility that the race and the parade will go down Ninth Avenue going into the north end of town.
The time of the race may be bumped up to 7 p.m., in an effort to provide better lighting and safety for the event.
“I’m big into safety,” Davis said. “We’re hoping to provide a great course that is not only safe, but flat and fast. Runners can expect to PR on this course.”
Runners will soon be able to get all the details on the race at CamancheClassic.com or by following @CamancheClassic on Twitter. Contact Davis at (563) 613-0751 for more information on the event.
Features
June 29, 2012
Camanche Classic 5K will take to streets in August
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