Trailblazer Set For Saturday
PARTICIPANTS ENCOURAGED TO WEAR GREEN SATURDAY FOR SECOND ANNUAL TRAILBLAZER
Saturday’s second annual Trailblazer will help raise funds for a trail connecting Pineville and Anderson. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, those who participate are encouraged to wear green. Registration for the 5K is $25; the 10K registration is $35 and the 13-mile bike ride registration is $40.
Margie Gunter says her mom’s spirit is always with her, even on the trail.
She cherishes the time that she and her mom spent together out walking or running in a 5K.
That’s why she’s pumped for Saturday’s second annual Trailblazer, which will help raise funds for a trail connecting Pineville and Anderson.
Time spent with family outdoors creates special memories. The time spent walking and running with her mom created a special bond, one that Gunter hopes others also will experience.
“I’m participating because I love running and biking and this offers me a chance to compete on my bike,” Gunter said. “I have always been a big supporter to get these trails. Mom — Esther Harris — was, too. She loved her walking. This is pretty important to me. It was important to Mom, too.
“I take her with me when I run, bike or walk.”
Harris loved being outside, but it took her daughter some time to talk her into participating in a 5K. Her first was on St. Patrick’s Day in Eldon, “and then she was hooked.”
“She was my biggest fan. She’d go with me and wait for me when she wasn’t going with me. So I hope that these trails will build stronger bonds between moms and dads and kids.”
Gunter lives in Lake Ozark but also has a home in Pineville. She’s committed to the annual Trailblazer with the hope of seeing new trails built, which would benefit the safety of runners, walkers and bikers.
“It would be great to have them closer to us instead of driving.”
Every time her bike’s spokes turn, Gunter spurs others to follow.
“I will continue to do what I can to see them come true, not just for us but for the future of our children.”
Saturday’s events — which include a 5K certified course, a 10K and a 13-mile bike ride — start at 8 a.m.
The 5K will take place in Pineville, while the 10K will start at the Anderson City Hall and conclude at the Pineville Square.
Bicyclists in the 13-mile bike ride will begin their route at the Pineville Square, ride to Anderson City Hall, then return to the Pineville Square.
Carey Bethel Whaley will be one of the 10K runners on Saturday morning. She’s participating because she sees new trails as a critical part of the county’s future growth.
“Safety is a big issue when I run, and determines on where I plan my routes,” Whaley said. “These trails will provide a safe place to run, away from traffic. Families can go and not have to worry about if cars see them, or distracted drivers.”
Organizers for the event believe they’ll have a better turnout for the bike ride and 10K than last year, said MacCounty Running co-founder Andrea Blair.
“We hope to get more than 100 participants,” she said.
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, those who participate are encouraged to wear green. “We want people to have a fun time and green it up,” she said. “Even the (participant) shirts will be a fashionable military green.”
Registration for the 5K is $25, the 10K registration is $35 and the 13-mile bike ride registration is $40.
Registration forms are available at Pineville City Hall, 503 Main St. For more information, contact MacCounty Running or the Anderson Betterment Club through Facebook and send a private message, or email crawlwalkrun5k@gmail.com.