Saturday morning races to benefit county’s veterans

A 5K walk/run and a 10-mile bicycle race are scheduled for Saturday morning with proceeds benefitting veterans in St. Francis County.

Registration for the eighth annual event begins at 7 a.m., at the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce office on Izard Street, with the race starting at 8 a.m.

SFC Veterans Services Officer Wilbert Dawson said all participants are welcome whether they want to race for awards to be given at the end or just participate by traveling the routes.

Special awards will be presented at 7:30 a.m., to SFC Judge Gary Hughes and SFC Circuit Clerk Bette Green, who are each retiring at the end of this year. Dawson said Hughes and Green are being recognized for their support of the county’s veterans.

From the Chamber, those participating in the walk/run will travel to Forrest Street. From there they will go into the Washington Heights neighborhood, traveling the regular 5K route, before heading back to the finish line at the Chamber.

Dawson said bicycle participants will leave from the Chamber. They will then take Rosser Street to Arkansas Street where they will turn right and follow Highway 284 to East Arkansas Community College. At the college, bicyclists will turn around and follow the same route back to the finish line.

Awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers in each race. Awards will also be presented for age divisions. The entry fee is $20, and each participant will receive an event T-shirt.

Dawson also noted that Tshirts are available for purchase by anyone, whether they’re participating in the races or not. “If someone wants to buy a shirt they can without doing the walk or ride. The shirts are still $20 whether you participate or not,” he said.

Dawson said all of the proceeds from this event help support services for veterans in the community, such as helping them with transportation for medical visits.

Although everyone may not want to race, Dawson encourages the community to come out for the event. “It’s not as much of a race as it is participation. We like to get out there and have fun,” he said.

He also encourages residents and motorists to be mindful of the racers Saturday morning.

“The streets will be open for traffic, and in most cases, the traffic will stop,” said Dawson. “We simply ask motorists be observant and watch for the participants tomorrow.”