Story and photos
by Sonja J. Keith

More than 600 men, women and children registered for the 36^th Annual Toad Suck Daze 5K/10K Run and Tadpole Trot, presented by Baptist Health Heart Institute-Conway and Arkansas Cardiology. 

The event, held May 4 at John McConnell Stadium at Conway High School, included a 10K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk and Tadpole Trot races for children.

“Although the weather forecast for the Run was dismal for much of the week before the Run, the weather was actually good during the Run,” said race committee chairman Cliff Henry. “I would like to publicly thank our presenting sponsors, Baptist Health Heart Institute – Conway and Arkansas Cardiology, all of our other valuable sponsors, and our many volunteers. Because of their generous contributions and the hundreds of participants, the Run was a big success again for the benefit of several wonderful charitable organizations and those who are helped thereby.”

This was the first year for the Run to present a medal to all finishers.

Over the years, the race has raised more than $420,000 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
• Community Connections
• Community Service Inc.
• Compass Academy
• HAVEN shelter for girls
• Main Stage EdUCAtion Program

The Conway Kiwanis Club is the main organizer of the event, which is supported by the Conway Running Club and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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

The races are held in memory of Randy Baker.

(For more information or to see race results, visit toadsuckrun.com. See more photos in the June issue of 501 LIFE and on the magazine’s Facebook page.)