Greetings from the trails! This run/walk plan started right on the High Lakes Trails in Union County, Iowa. While training for various road races, I started to think how very lucky our community was for these growing trails and wanted to come up with a way to help keep the trails in great shape and add amenities along the way. What better way to showcase the trails then to host an event on them in the form of our very own road race? It started with an informal gathering of fellow trail enthusiasts, July 2013. It was an evening event with a 3 mile or 6 mile option on July 3rd, hoping to draw in some out of town guests. The response was fantastic! This began the planning for the first Creston Half Marathon and 5K slated for July 3, 2014. Thinking of the features that are well received in larger road races, was the starting point for this fundraiser. The first feature was to make this an official chip timed event, which is an investment, but in order for desired growth, it was a necessity. Other features include consistent water stations, music/entertainment along the route and a post race celebration.

 

In 2018, we shortened the Half Marathon Route to an 8 Mile Course and made some minor adjustments to the 5K. Given the challenging course and rolling hills, there were no complaints regarding these more direct routes. Also in 2018, Greater Regional Health signed on as our Title Sponsor making the race The Greater 8 and 5K, providing the support and enthusiasm for this fundraiser, emphasizing that we truly are  greater together.

This event could not take place and continue to grow without the tireless work of the volunteers and without the contributions from the community. Thank you all for helping to make this dream become a reality.

 

Cheers,

Mindy Stalker

Race Director

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