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PrintColumbia’s Parks and Recreation Department held a 5k Run/Walk on Saturday at the Stadium Boulevard-entrance to the MKT Trail to commemorate National Trails Day.
“We noticed The American Hiking Society was recognizing National Trails Day and we thought this would be a great way to commemorate it,” said Tammy Miller, an information specialist for Columbia’s Parks and Recreation.
“I think we have some of the finest trails in the country and this is a good way to promote them and to promote a healthy lifestyle.”
This is the first year for the event. Despite the poor weather on Saturday morning at the start of the race there were 33 participants signed-in and ready to go. The event continued throughout the morning and by noon about 50 participants had come out to enjoy the trail.
The race started at the Stadium entrance a few minutes after 9 a.m. The participants were given cards that were punched by volunteers waiting at the half-way mark. After the cards had been punched they turned around and headed back. The first 25 people back were given a free T-shirt.
Brothers Don and Steve Koenig became aware of the event while running during the past few weeks. Flyers had been hung throughout the trails so that members of the community that often use the trails could come out and support the event.
“We are swimmers but we are going to try and run and see who we can beat for the T-shirt,” said Don Koenig.
The first participant back, Scott Ronis, made it in 21.5 minutes. He received not only the T-shirt but also a first-aid kit. Ronis is a graduate student at MU and runs the local trails a few times a week.
The event was not only to promote trails in Columbia but to inform people of new trails as well.
Parks and Recreation had informational brochures as well as maps for the participants. Columbia has over 20 trails that range from fractions of a mile to almost five miles long throughout the city.
The Bear Creek Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, and MKT Trail are the premier multi-use trails in Columbia for biking as well as walking and running.
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