09 Mar 2016 Chase Race and Paws on Saturday
The Eleventh Annual Chase Race and Paws will be held 8 a.m. Saturday, March 12, starting and finishing at Simon Park, in Downtown Conway.
The 2-mile state championship race awards $100 cash prize to any male or female who breaks the present course records. All finishers will receive a unique medal for the first time. A complimentary 2017 entry form will be awarded to anyone who breaks an age group record. Each person who registers will receive a unisex technical shirt. Female sizing tees will have a “V” neck again this year.
In order to reduce the number of officials directing traffic, all participants will run on a new course that begins and ends at the same place as last year.
“This is the 11th anniversary of the Chase Race. Volunteers are working hard to make this year’s event the best one ever. In addition to being the most unique race in the state of Arkansas, there will be a Pet Parade of Adoptable Dogs,” said Don Potter, Chase Race founder and race director.
Potter said the event will be held rain or shine. “There could be a slight delay, an hour or so in the event of lightning. There are backups in place for packet pick up, race day registration, refreshments and awards. Please support the race by registering and participating come heaven or high-water.”
Even more importantly, the race continues to commemorate the short life of Chase Potter, who died at age 13. A tragedy has been turned into a commemorative fun event for runners, walkers, children, families and pets. The event has raised $118,000 since its beginning, with proceeds divided equally between the Friends of Conway Animal Shelter and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Registration is open at http://www.chaserace.info/. Entry forms are also available at The Sporty Runner (1016 Van Ronkle St. in Conway), Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center (700 Salem Road in Conway), Rock City Running (10300 N. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock) and at Go! Running (1819 N. Grant St. in Little Rock).
The Chase Race and Paws event includes:
• A quality and competitive Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series championship two-mile race for runners/walkers only, no pets or strollers.
• The first three overall male/female walkers will be recognized again this year. Please register as a “walker.”
• A separate one-mile fun or competitive event for runners/walkers with leashed pets.
• Chip timing will be used in both events. A start/finish mat will be provided for the two-mile, gun time only for the one-mile (no start mat).
• Registered runners/walkers can participate in both events.
• “Paws” Pageant (best costume contest) for all pets.
• Pet adoption.
Chase Race and Paws promotes and raises funds for non-adopted pets and research for adolescents with traumatic brain injury.
Chase Race and Paws had its beginning March 11, 2006, as an event to celebrate the brief life of Donald Lee Chase Potter, 1991-2005. Chase’s parents, Don and Cheryl Potter, searched for a way to perpetually continue the legacy of their 13-year-old son who loved animals and suffered from a traumatic brain injury. His parents, both runners, focused on a running event that could include pets. The Chase Race continues to provide comfort in its eleventh year.
