The challenge of a local half marathon and 5K road race will take on a new meaning in 2020. Officials with the Planters Bank Half Marathon and Jennie Stuart Health Hoptown 5K, which are scheduled for Saturday, September 19 announced Friday that the Challenge House Movement, which was founded by former Hopkinsville Mayor Wally Bryan, would be this year’s charitable beneficiary. Bryan, who also served two terms as Hopkinsville mayor, died suddenly May 14.
Last year’s inaugural Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K, which drew 632 participants from 16 states, ultimately led to a donation of $14,131 to the United Way of the Pennyrile.
In addition to the traditional half-marathon (13.1 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) offerings, this year’s race day will also make available a one-mile “Wally’s Walkers” division, inspired by the late mayor’s involvement in and support of a similar event during the annual Pennyrile Senior Games. Final details and prices for the aforementioned one-mile option will be announced soon. Donations in memory of Wally Bryan can also be made to the cause without walking and/or running being necessary.
Like last year, the Hoptown Half & 5K Weekend festivities will kick off with a pre-race expo, open to the general public, at Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex Hopkinsville. Scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, the Expo will give participants the opportunity to pick up race packets and race shirts in advance.
The 2020 Hoptown Half & 5K will observe social distancing at the start line and during other correlating activities and gatherings. For those unable to attend in-person, the virtual race option is also available. Participants can run 13.1 miles or 3.1 miles on their own time and at their own location, but still receive race bib, shirt and medal. Continue to visit HoptownHalf.com and follow @HoptownHalf on social media for more information on all options.
Hoptown Half & 5K race shirts, hats and award-winning sticker decals from 2019 remain on sale at the Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation office, located at 2600 Thomas Street.
Race organizers are hoping for over 1,000 participants overall this year.
