18 Apr 2018 Run welcomes new corporate sponsors

Posted at 10:14 PMh in Sports by

Baptist Health Heart Institute and Arkansas Cardiology are showing their community support as the presenting sponsor for this year’s Toad Suck Daze 5K/10K Run.

The 35th annual event is planned Saturday, May 5, in Conway. 

“We greatly appreciate the support of Baptist Health Heart Institute and Arkansas Cardiology,” said Cliff Henry, chairman of the race committee. “Their financial support will help us support local charities in the community.”

Over the years, the race has raised more than $411,000 for non-profit organizations. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit a variety of local non-profits:

 

  • HAVEN (a residential shelter for abused girls)
  • Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County
  • CAPCA (empowering individuals and families so they can succeed) 
  • Main Stage EdUCAtion (connects children to performing arts through field trips)
  • Conway Athletics (help to resurface the Conway High School track)

 

“Baptist Health is committed to a healthier Arkansas, and it begins with providing opportunities that make it easier for people to live healthier lifestyles,” said Tim Bowen, vice-president and administrator of Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway. “Having a fun race can be a great way to introduce people to exercise and help wonderful causes at the same time. Baptist Health wants to be the state’s leading resource in advocating for healthier communities and wellness programs and being a part of the Toad Suck Daze Run is certainly right in line with our efforts.”

The event includes a 10K Run, 5K Run, 5K Fun Walk and Tadpole Trot races. The 10K is an RRCA Arkansas Grand Prix race. The event begins and ends at John McConnell Stadium at Conway High School.

“Baptist Health Heart Institute and Arkansas Cardiology are committed to keeping you heart-healthy,” said Parker Norris, MD, cardiologist with Arkansas Cardiology. “Baptist Health’s heart specialists take every single patient to heart and have capable and compassionate physicians ready to provide you with the care you need and deserve. Having an active lifestyle and eating well are two main components of keeping your heart healthy.”

Online registration for the Toad Suck Daze Run ends at noon Friday, May 4. Online and mail registrants can pick up a racing packet, number and timing chip from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4, at Baptist Health Heart Institute or the morning of the race at the fieldhouse at John McConnell Stadium.

The Tadpole Trot starts on the Conway High School track about 9:45 a.m. (after the 5K and 10K events) and includes races for children ages 4-12. Kids ages 4 through 8 will run a half lap, ages 9-10 will run one lap, and ages 11-12 will run two laps (one-half mile). The first, second and third place finishers in each Tadpole Trot receive trophies and all other entrants receive a ribbon.

The school with the largest percentage of registrants (based on enrollment) in the Tadpole Trot will be presented with a traveling trophy and $200 for its physical education department.

Entry fee for the 10K and 5K events is $25 until noon Friday, May 4, when it goes up to $30. 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. Free refreshments will be provided for all entrants.

The Conway Kiwanis Club is the main organizer of the event, which is supported by the Conway Running Club and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau and sanctioned by the Arkansas chapter of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).

Other major sponsors are Kohl’s, TLC Pediatrics, Nabholz Client Services, Arkansas Eye Care Group, Regions, Arvest, Conway Corporation, Smith Ford and Patterson Eye Care.

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

For more information or to register for the Toad Suck Daze Run, visit toadsuckrun.com. For information on Tour de Toad, visit LiteracyActionAR.org/tourdetoad.