Kiwanis Wolf Creek Trail Run

Saturday, March 31st the Poplar Bluff Kiwanis Club hosted its 5th Annual Wolf Creek 6K/Half Marathon Trail Run at the Wolf Creek Bicycle Trail. We had 104 runners who enjoyed the beautiful weather and the scenic trail. This year we introduced a half marathon run which encompassed over 13 miles of the 21 miles the trail has to offer. We were pleasantly surprised to have 37 hardcore men and women run this first time race. Anyone who runs a trail knows how much more challenging running that distance is on a trail versus the road.

On behalf of the Poplar Bluff Kiwanis Club, I would like to thank all who helped make this happen:

First and foremost thank you to ALL of the runners who came out and ran. Along with the sponsors, you allowed us to raise over $2,000 to help Kiwanis to continue to improve our inclusive playground equipment at Kiwanis Bacon Memorial Park, which allows children of all abilities to enjoy the park. Additionally, the US Forest Service (specifically Jon Stansfield and Ed Sherman) for this amazing asset in our area and for allowing us to utilize the trail. Also, thank you Brock Littles and Kenny Rowland, my race co-chairmen and Mike Crumley who had the hardest job of all taking care of registrations and sorting through the results. There were many Kiwanians (and other people) who volunteered up to/on race day including Kathy Brittingham, Debbie Lundstrom, Dylan Acevedo, Kirk Chaligoj, Margaret Carter, Daniel Kingree, Dennis & Barbara Ward, Joe Martin, Felicity Ray, Gary Croy, Monica Woolem and Dairian Lovell from Home Depot.

This year we had two corporate sponsors in Larry Hillis Dodge and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. We had many other sponsors that made this event possible as well: Southern Bank, Rowland Family Dentistry, US Bank, Black River Medical Center, Budweiser, Missouri Running Company, Shoe Sensation, Total Alignment Chiropractic, Dorris Plumbing, Health Literacy Media and P.B. Outdoor Power Equipment. Butler County EMS was also on site available to help in case of an emergency. The staff from the U.S. Forest Service came out the day before and did a phenomenal job picking up trash along the road and the trail. My staff, Samantha and Jeannette, did a great job organizing and coordinating the event. Lastly, thanks Paul Davis and Brian Rosener from the DAR for covering this event.

We hope all attendees enjoyed the run and look forward to seeing them back again next year. We always schedule the race the Saturday before Easter, hoping to reach visitors in town celebrating the holiday. This year we had people from Arkansas and Iowa who had no previous knowledge of the trail. We strongly encourage people to walk, run, hike or bike the Wolf Creek Bicycle Trail as regularly as their schedule allows. To find out more about the trail visit http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33314.

God Bless,

Steve Halter,

Poplar Bluff