Don’t let the race name fool you: While the race proceeds benefit the Rails-to-Trails Project, very little of the course is actually run on trails. This is a flat, fast course that is run nearly 90% on paved streets. With a nice down-hill start, many PR’s have been set on this course. The course also offers several other benefits: Runners and walkers start a minute apart to help ease congestion at the starting line. Every half mile is clearly marked with split-timing coming at the one- and two-mile marks. Aid stations are also at the one- and two-mile markers with plenty of ice, water, and PowerAde for everyone. Participants also get to run through the historic train tunnel. The course is also unique in that the one-mile mark is near the registration area/finish line so that your loved ones may cheer you on several times during the race without having to move around all that much. When reaching the finish line, you’ll be greeted by D.J. Mister Twister’s music to help give you that little extra “kick” during the last tenth of a mile. Volunteers assist you at the finish line with a bottle of cold water and a race towel, courtesy of our sponsor Emerald Pointe/Cumberland Pointe.
Besides the actual race course itself, the event is unique in several other ways. First and foremost are the awards. We proudly offer more awards than most 5k events anywhere. And when I say awards, I don’t mean some little medal. These are unique, hand-crafted, ceramic-fired pottery trophies. Veterans of numerous races over the years tend to put their medals and cheesy-looking trophies in junk drawers or boxes in the basement. This is an award you’ll be proud to display for years. And, we have lots of them: 190!
We also have lots of door prizes. Every year, we collect between 100 and 150 door prizes from generous businesses/merchants in and around the tri-state area. Your chances of winning one are good. Those who pre-registered are given a race packet generally found only at marathons: jammed full of goodies and samples.
Once you’re done racing, it’s time to eat! Some of the menu has included: Domino’s pizza, Subway subs, Bob’s Carry Out pizza, Fox’s pepperoni rolls, Hollie’s Cookie Hut home-made cookies, and all the beverages you can drink. If you leave this race hungry, it’s your own fault!
Finally, we have the shirts. Everyone is guaranteed a shirt. Even if you sign up on race day and we run out, I promise to make sure you get your shirt in your size. The shirts aren’t the cheap cotton variety. They are the A4 brand athletic mesh shirt. Runners and walkers love ‘em because you can work out in them and they feel cool against your skin.
Did I mention the kids’ race? After the 5k awards, the 200 yard Tunnel Fun Run for Kids is held. Every child wins an award, handed to them by Spike, the Wheeling Nailers’ Mascot. The cost is only 5 bucks. And, the first 100 children to register are given an athletic bag jammed full of toys, coupons, certificates, and other goodies!
Don’t let the race name fool you: While the race proceeds benefit the Rails-to-Trails Project, very little of the course is actually run on trails. This is a flat, fast course that is run 90% on paved streets. With a nice down-hill start, many PR’s have been set on this course.
We proudly offer absolutely more awards (190!) for more participants than most 5k events you will find anywhere. And when I say awards, I don’t mean some cheesy little medal. These are unique, hand-crafted, ceramic-fired trophies that you’ll be proud to display for years. We have weight divisions, a Masters Division and a special K9 Competitive Walk Division!
We also have lots of door prizes. Every year, we collect between 100 and 150 door prizes valued at over $2,000 from generous businesses/merchants in and around the tri-state area. Your chances of winning one are good. Those who pre-registered are given a race packet generally found only at marathons: a reusable back-pack jammed full of goodies and samples.
Once you’re done racing, it’s time to eat! We offer the biggest smorgasbord of delicious food:
The first 500 registrants are guaranteed a moisture-management shirt. Runners and walkers love ‘em because you can work out in them and they feel cool against your skin.
Did I mention the kids’ race? After the 5k race, the 200 yard Tunnel Fun Run for Kids is held. Every child wins an award, handed to them by Spike and Buck, the Wheeling Nailers’ Mascots. The cost is only 5 bucks. And, the first 100 children to register are given an athletic bag jammed full of toys, coupons, certificates, and other goodies!
For more info or to download a race app, go to www.RailsToTrails5k.com To register online, go to www.TheRaceDeal.com
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