Organizers of the annual Kiwanis Club Toad Suck Daze Run will welcome Conway Regional Health System as its new presenting sponsor and are making big changes to the Tadpole Trot for kids.

“We’re thrilled to be the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Toad Suck Daze 5k/10k Run,” said Paul Bradley, director of marketing for the health system. “Conway Regional is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our community, and we’re excited for this partnership.”

“Conway Regional has served our community for nearly 100 years, providing compassionate care, expanding health care access, and bringing innovative services to our region,” said Jessica Faulkner, who co-chairs the race committee with Patrick Lewis. “We want to thank Conway Regional for their support and commitment to the health and wellness of our community.”

TADPOLE TROT

The Tadpole Trot, which has been traditionally held after the 5K and 10K events on Saturday, will be moved to Friday evening and will feature a new venue in Downtown Conway.

“Toad Suck Daze takes pride in our children’s programming, so we were excited about the Kiwanis Club’s decision to move the Tadpole Trot to festival grounds,” said Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of Toad Suck Daze and Events at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “Integrating the race with the other kid-friendly activities at Toad Suck Daze will only enhance the experience for our youngest festivalgoers.”

BENEFICIARIES

Over the years, the race has raised more than $400,000 for non-profit organizations. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit a variety of local non-profits:

-Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County

CAPCA

Children’s Advocacy Alliance

Community Connections

Community Service Inc.

HAVEN (Help for Abuse Victims in Emergency Need)

Main Stage EdUCAtion Series at Reynolds Performance Hall 

Milestone Services Inc.

REGISTRATION

The event includes a 10K Run/Walk and 5K Run/Walk planned Saturday, May 2. The event begins and ends at John McConnell Stadium at Conway High School. This year’s 10K is a part of the 2020 Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix.

Online registration for the Kiwanis Club Toad Suck Daze Run ends at noon Friday, May 1. Online and mail registrants can pick up a racing packet, number and timing chip at Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, 700 Salem Rd, from noon to 6 p.m. May1 or the morning of the race at the fieldhouse at John McConnell Stadium.

Chip timing technology will be used and participants must wear a race chip to get an official time. Participants registering after 7:30 a.m. on race day will not receive a timing chip and will not be timed.

Entry fee for the 10K and 5K events is $30 until noon Friday, May 1, when it goes up to $35. 5K and 10K entrants receive a technical shirt for those who pre-register. The Tadpole Trot registration is $10, which includes a cotton T-shirt. 

To register, visit toadsuckrun.com and click on the “register now” tab to sign up for the 5K/10K/Tadpole Trot. Registration will also take place on May 1 during the packet pick up times at Conway Regional fitness center. Race day registrations will be accepted at the registration/packet pick up table in Conway High School Fieldhouse.

Free refreshments will be provided for all entrants. The participation medal will be presented to the first 1,000 finishers in the 5K and 10K.

Any additional race shirts can be purchased on the day of the race after 8 a.m. at the field house.

The event is supported by the Conway Running Club and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information or to register for the Toad Suck Daze Run, visit toadsuckrun.com. 

IN MEMORY

The Toad Suck 10K was started by the Conway Kiwanis Club in 1982 and held in conjunction with the Toad Suck Daze Festival. In 1984, First National Bank of Conway (now Regions) began a race in memory of a fellow employee, Randy Baker, who died of cancer. The Randy Baker 8K was conducted for two years, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. 

In 1986, the Conway Kiwanis Club approached Regions Bank, and the two races were combined. The Kiwanis Club Toad Suck Daze Run continues to be held in memory of Randy Baker, with proceeds benefiting non-profit agencies in the Faulkner County community.

IRON TOAD

The Toad Suck Daze Run partners with Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, which sponsors the Tour de Toad bicycle event, which will also be held on Saturday, May 2. Participants who complete the Toad Suck Daze Run (5K or 10K) and Tour de Toad receive a custom Iron Toad medal.

For information on Tour de Toad, visit LiteracyActionAR.org/tourdetoad.