Go! Mile planned June 18

25 May 2016 Go! Mile planned June 18

Posted at 10:54 AMh in Sports by 501 LIFE

The Go! Mile is celebrating six years of being “one fast little race” held at the Clinton Presidential Library at 7a.m. Saturday, June 18.

The one-mile championship race is the state’s only sanctioned one-mile race and offers something for runners of all ages and abilities. Downtown Little Rock is rolling out the welcome mat, offering a family stay and play ‘Victory Lap Pass’ that includes experiences at the Clinton Library, Museum of Discovery, Little Rock Trolley, restaurants and more.

501 LIFE is a sponsor of the event.

The event is part of the popular Arkansas Grand Prix series and continues the honor of being the National One Mile Championship Road Race from Road Runners Club America (RRCA). The championship race will take place in the Elite runners heat. Fellow runners, friends and families are encouraged to hang out and cheer on these runners who have reached the highest level in their sport and watch one go home with a new title.

“Rarely do you get to see nationally elite athletes run close to a 4-minute mile,” said Gary Taylor, Go! Mile race director and Go! Running owner. “But the Go! Mile running festival is not just for seasoned runners. We have something for everyone. With seven different heats, it’s a race for the whole family… whether you’re an experienced runner or brand new to the sport. In fact, we welcome and celebrate first-time runners with their very own heat – The CHI St. Vincent First Mile.”

The Go! Mile is a chip-timed, one-mile road race – rare on both points. This one-mile course provides runners with a new, fast and fun race experience. Races include: The First Mile for novice runners of any age, open men’s and women’s races, an elite mile race and a kid’s mini-mile for ages 9 and younger. Just like the feel of a real track race, there is a real gun start, times are called out at the quarter mile, the halfway mark has a clock and a bell is rung to signify the last quarter mile to go.

Why run the Go! Mile?

• A race for everyone in the family – Beginning with The First Mile for first time racers, to four age group races just for mom, one for dad, for brother/sister, friends AND the little "mini-mile" for kids. Everyone in the family can run and watch each other compete.

• High-energy atmosphere – Races go off every 15 minutes, so someone is always starting and finishing! The course is spectator-friendly with clear views of the whole mile race. Easily move from the starter’s gun to the finish line in minutes.

• Exciting Elite Race Mile – Where else can you go to watch truly elite runners race? Excitement and speed build as we end the heats with the fast race of the day. Elite runners are coming from all over the country. Prize money is awarded to the Top 3 male and female finishers, so the race is indeed competitive!

• The Kid’s Mini Mile – a fun run that celebrates and encourages fitness. The run is just ½ mile, and part of the adult mile course, so participants will experience the same excitement of the finish line as the adult runners. All finishers of the Mini Mile receive a special kid appropriate award.

Brooks “Run Happy” Contest

Back by popular demand is the Run Happy Contest, sponsored by Brooks. Look for a Facebook post to enter on Go! Running, B98.5 and Channel 4 (ArkansasMatters). Tell us what makes you run happy and be entered to win a free pair of shoes and team entry for four to the 6th Annual Go! Mile.

How to register/more Information

The 7-heat event is open to all levels of competitors and includes a “mini-mile” for kids only. Entry costs are affordable too: $15 to enter (with T-shirt $25). Kid’s Mini-Mile entry is only $5, or free with a Go! Mile adult registration.

Runners can register at gorunning.com/gomile and arkansasrunner.com, or visit Go! Running in the Heights, 1819 N. Grant St, Little Rock. Registration will also be available at the Packet Pick Up Expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 17, at Go! Running and race morning at the course.

SCHEDULE:

6 a.m. Registration opens

7 a.m. Heat A – CHI St. Vincent The First Mile (men and women novice runners)

Reylance Bank Group Races:

7:30 a.m. Heat B – Women Ages 40 & Over

7:50 a.m. Heat C – Men Ages 40 & Over

8:10 a.m. Heat D – Women Ages 39 & Under

8:30 a.m. Heat E – Men Ages 39 & Under

8:50 a.m. Go! Running Elite Heat*

9:05 a.m. Wardlaw Kids’ “Mini Mile”**

9:20 a.m. Kinco Awards Ceremony

*Mile times: Men who can run 5:30 or under and Women who can run 6:30 or under.