Quick, how many 5-mile races in the area can you name?
Didn’t think so.
Well, from now on, you won’t have to think too hard.
The Bucks County Duathlon is proud to announce it is adding a new “8K Challenge’’ running race to its lineup of fun events on Sunday, Sept. 2.
Technically, eight kilometers is only 4.97 miles, but that’s close enough to round off to five miles in most people’s book.
The 8K Challenge, to be run within the confines of Washington Crossing Historic Park and the adjacent Delaware State Canal towpath, will be sponsored by the Bucks County Roadrunners Club.
Registration (which is now open), timing and results will be handled by Lin-Mark Sports of Mantua, N.J.
The 8K is a fun way for those runners who aren’t big into cycling to enjoy some of the excitement at this annual event, now in its ninth year.
Proceeds from the two races will go to Washington Crossing Historic Park and to the Missy Flynn Fund, named for the former world-class triathlete who survived a brain aneurysm on Dec. 23, 2005.
Including the BCD’s predecessor (Run for Missy), the event has raised more than $100,000 for Flynn’s uninsured medical costs and other expenses.
The BCD consists of a two-mile run, 10-mile bike and two-mile run on a course which covers Washington Crossing Historic Park, the towpath, River Road and other roads in the hills above the Delaware River in Upper Makefield Township.
The 8K Challenge course will be mostly flat and should produce some fast times.
“Opening up our event to runners should add a whole new level of excitement,’’ said Harry Betz, co-director of the Bucks County Duathlon. “As cool as duathlons are, not everyone has the time for the training required. An 8K distance is rather unique in racing these days — we’re excited to share our scenic course with the runners in the area.’’
Entry fee for the 8K Challenge is $30. To register, visit www.buckscountyduathlon.org.
Also on the site will be details about the new course, etc.
Brian Wong, Flynn’s life partner, welcomed the news about the 8K.
“We’re excited about the new 8K Challenge, which Missy would have liked when she was competing,’’ he said. “She ran so many 5KsKand 10Ks for training that I’m still wearing her race shirts from 15 years ago – she would often get a size for me. We do miss those days, but having a race for Missy is definitely the next best thing.’’
Donation site for Sesame Place Classic
It’s only a month away – the 20th annual Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic is set for Sunday, May 20 at Sesame Place in Middletown Township.
It promises to be a great day of fun and racing. All registered runners get a free, one-day admission to the park.
If you are unable to attend on race day, there’s still a way to donate to the Dick Dougherty Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Bucks County college-bound seniors.
Just visit the website: www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com and read the instructions. No donation too small, no donation too big. It’s all for a good cause.
Race calendar
Saturday
Cornerstone 5K, 9 a.m., Doylestown Health, Doylestown. Contact www.bucks5kseries.com
Sunday, May 20
20th annual Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic 5K, one-mile, kids’ sprint, 7 a.m., Sesame Place, Middletown Township. Contact www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com
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