SCNF prepares for 2nd annual Starkvegas 10k/5k

January 21, 2012

By ANGIE CARNATHAN

The Starkville Central Neighborhood Foundation hosted its first Annual Historic Starkvegas 10k/5k, Family Fun Run and Pet Parade last year.
Due to the event’s popularity and success, organizers are gearing up to host it again this year on Saturday, March 24.
Michelle Jones said last year’s run involved more than 150 runners and about 100 volunteers.
“It was a great success that allowed SCNF to move forward on projects like the downtown Starkville historic survey and production of some walking tours of the historic neighborhoods,” Jones said.
Since the run is about nine weeks away, Jones said getting the news out early would be important to those who might want to start training early.
“I know some people who used the Couch to 5k app on their cell phones last year to train,” Jones said. “Several of them had never run a 5k before, and we hope to have some new participants this year as well.”
Couch to 5k is an app that is downloadable to most smart phones, although some apps are listed under different names. Each is a nine-week training program which gently trains people to be able to run in a 5k. The SCNF 2nd Annual 10k/5k is nine weeks away. Robbie Coblentz of Starkville said he used the program last year to prepare for the SCNF run.
“The race for me was the culmination of the Couch to 5k running plan, which is a great way for novices to start running,” Coblentz said. “It literally takes you from the couch … to being able to run 30 minutes plus without stopping. It’s an easy way to train for the SCNF 5k.”
Coblentz said last year’s race was his first 5k, and it was a great experience. He said he thinks his whole family will run in it this year.
“The start venue at the historic Greensboro Center was a perfect setting for a race,” Coblentz said. “It was very well organized and the entertainment afterward was a nice touch. My wife, Bonnie, is a veteran of several half marathons and ran the race with me. Our two sons, David and Mark, have talked about trying to run the 5k this year.”
Mann Conrad of Starkville said last year’s race was a great inaugural event that he would like to see continue annually.
“It was a great course with lots of monitors and volunteers,” Conrad said. “They had professional race results and timing. The kids’ 1-miler was also a great way for my daughter to participate.”
Meredith Martin said the event was a great day of fun that involved something for the whole family.
“My husband and I decided to do the run together,” Martin said. “We thought it would be a lot of fun. We trained a little but were really glad to see all different types of runners at the event. It’s definitely not just for avid runners –– therefore if you are a beginner, you weren’t intimidated at all. We had run some in the past, but I had my second baby a few months before, so it gave us a reason to get out and get started again.”
However, Martin said the benefits went beyond losing her baby weight.
“It was also a great way to see and showcase historic Starkville while getting some exercise and involving the entire family,” Martin said. “There was live music and a great turnout with a wide variety of ages and interests. If you are looking for a fun run to motivate you, this is definitely the one to do. We hope to participate again this year, maybe even push a stroller. It’s really nice to be able to have something to work for, and the Historic Starkvegas Run in March is a great way to get motivated.”
To sign up for the Second Annual SCNF Historic Starkvegas 10k-5k/Family Fun Run/Pet Parade visit http://www.racesonline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.race_detail&race_....