When the plans for the inaugural Glow 4 Goal 5K were being discussed, race director and American Cancer Society Representative Chelsea Edwards really didn't know what to expect.
Just six days from the race, the Martins Ferry High graduate and her committee have been "blown away" by the support the race, which will be held in St. Clairsville on Saturday night, has received.
"We set a goal of 200 people and had agreed that we would be pleased with 150," Edwards admitted. "We already have 217 (as of Saturday) registered participants and more than $3,000 in sponsors, which covers all of our expenses, meaning the American Cancer Society will profit the total registration fee for each participant."
Article Photos
MEMBERS of the Glow 4 Goal 5K Committee work on signs for Saturday’s race in St. Clairsville. Pictured, from left, are Troy Biery, Angelina Carlier, Lori Hocking and Barb Ballint.
The race, which is different than most 5Ks, begins at 9:30 p.m. from the area near Red Devil Stadium and finishes near the newly constructed amphitheater, which is located on the former site of the Belmont County Fair.
While Edwards is stoked about the amount of racers already entered, there is still room for plenty more, but the cost has gone up to $25, which includes a glow-in-the-dark shirt. The participants, who have pre-registered, are guaranteed a shirt.
"Participants are welcome to sign up until the day of the race," Edwards said. "We will accept walk-up registrations that night. We are working with our t-shirt printer and will do our best to get everyone that signs up a shirt."
Edwards not only had high praise for those who've registered, but the work put in by her 15-member committee has been impressive.
"We have a committee of about 15 people, all of whom will be wearing bright neon shirts at the race, so people know who direct questions to," Edwards said. "We've met three times and we're working hard to ensure this race is top notch and that participants are excited to return in 2013."
Though the race is at night, the course has been inspected several times by the committee and it will be well lit for safety.
"We've walked it to ensure a safe and challenging experience for all of our participants," Edwards said.
On the course, participants will find glow-in-the-dark posters, water stations, inspiration stations with music and dancing, glow sticks, luminaria and foot-long glow-in-the-dark ground stakes. The course is being managed by Pat Halloran of Home Pizza.
After the race, participants are encouraged to enjoy the post-race party, which will feature awards, raffles and food and beverages.
"Every participant will receive one complimentary door-prize ticket and more tickets will be on sale for the event," Edwards said. "We've got wings, pizza, pepperoni rolls being donated and much more for the participants after the race."
For more information, or to register, please visit active.com or contact Edwards at 888-227-6446 ext. 3206 or via email at chelsea.edwards@cancer.org.
Staskey can be reached at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com
