09 May 2012 Women Can Run/Walk 5K set May 12

Walkers and runners from across the state will be in Conway on Saturday for the Women Can Run/Walk 5K.

The event – which marks the culmination of free, 10-week training clinics held across the state – will start/finish at Conway High School West at 2300 Prince St.

Women Run Arkansas, an RRCA organization, was formed in 2000 in response to the need for a statewide women’s running and walking club. The mission of WRA is to address the special needs of women’s fitness, while promoting health and fitness through running and walking.

The first clinic was held in Conway in 1997. Since then, clinics have been held throughout Central Arkansas and the state.

Linda Starr, owner of The Sporty Runner in Downtown Conway, is the state clinic director.

More than 40 towns in Arkansas participate in the program.

This year, the featured speaker a pasta party on Friday night will be Elaine Doll Dunn, cancer survivor and marathon runner (26.2 marathons in 2000). She is also the author of “Gotta Run… Life is a Marathon… So Double-Tie Your Shoes” and director of the Leading Ladies Marathon in South Dakota.

Dunn will also be at The Sporty Runner on Friday for a booksigning and at Saturday’s race.

The event benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation & Neurofibromatosis Research.

For more information, visit womenrunarkansas.net.