Batesville 5-mile run ends with pool party

Runners who turn out for Saturday evening’s The Heat Is On 5M at Batesville had better come prepared to sweat, because this footrace is not just punning around.

But the worst of the day’s sweltering should be past when the slowest participants begin their 5-mile exertion at 7 p.m. Fifteen minutes later, faster runners will set out to catch and possibly pass them on the road-and-gravel trail route.

The White River Roadrunners will greet everyone at the finish line with sparkling sweet relief: cold showers and a swimming-pool party that lasts through 10:30 p.m.

The race starts and ends at the Batesville Aquatic Center, 1420 S. 20th St. — a good place for a pool party, and this one includes a band.

Each racer will also get one free ticket for something coyly referred to as “The Heat Is On Special Treat.” Any family members who don’t sign up to run can join the party for $2, but they won’t get a special treat. Nonrunner party tickets can be bought on race day.

The top three male and female racers will receive trophies, and there will be agegroup awards, too. You can see the trophies and goody-bag swag on Facebook by searching for “The Heat Is On 5M.”

Pre-registration is available through runsignup.com until 10 p.m. Friday for $25 plus a $2.50 fee (search for “Heat Is On”). After 10, the price is $35, with a $3 fee. Race-day registration will cost $36.

Those who have already registered are guaranteed souvenir shirts. “Participants after that will just have to cross their fingers and hope we have enough extras,” the website says.

Proceeds will support the club’s engagement in the annual women’s running and walking clinic, the youth cross country clinic in June at Lyon College, as well as high school cross country and track meets.

More information is at wrroadrunners.org.