This year’s Toad Suck Daze 5K/10K Run will feature something new – a special participation medal.

“This unique medal will help commemorate participation in the Toad Suck Daze Run, an event that is celebrating its 36^th year of helping local organizations,” said Cliff Henry, chairman of the race committee.

The artwork for the medal – based on a design by run committee member Bill Polk – was unveiled at a recent meeting of the Conway Kiwanis Club, the main organizer of the event. In addition, it was announced that Baptist Health Heart Institute – Conway and Arkansas Cardiology will once again be presenting sponsors for the Toad Suck Daze Run, which is planned Saturday, May 4, in Conway.

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

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

Community Service Inc.

Compass Academy

HAVEN (a residential shelter for abused girls)

Main Stage EdUCAtion (connects children to performing arts through field trips)

“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 (for children). 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 3. Online and mail registrants can pick up a racing packet, number and timing chip from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3, at Baptist Health Conway hospital or the morning of the race at the fieldhouse at John McConnell Stadium.

Chip timing technology will be used in the run. 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 3, 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.

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 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.

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 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 4. 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.

As part of the Baptist Health Heart Institute, Arkansas Cardiology Clinic-Conway allows individuals to stay close to home and still receive Arkansas’ most comprehensive heart care. Knowing your risk based on medical and family history is important too. Screening tests are an important assessment tool to determine risk for cardiovascular disease. That’s why Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway is offering BHeart Healthy Screenings for $99. Early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent heart attacks, strokes and vascular disease complications.