Runners still have opportunities to register for annual Oaklawn Hospitality Classic

MARSHALL – It’s getting down to the wire, but there’s still time for those who want to join the fun during the annual Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic.

About a thousand runners, walkers and fitness fans are expected to come to downtown Marshall the morning of Saturday, May 16, beginning and ending their races in front of the Honolulu House.

Online registration continues to be available at www.oaklawnhospital.org/hospitality-classic, according to event coordinator Theresa Shippell of Oaklawn Hospital’s Development Department.

Registration fees are $15 for participants age 18 and younger, and $25 for those older than 18. Also offered is a family rate of $60 for immediate family members.

In-person registration also is possible Saturday morning just prior to the races. Registration tents will be set up on the west lawn of Chemical Bank (formerly Monarch Community Bank), just north of the Brooks Memorial Fountain circle.

Runners may take advantage of early packet pick-up if they have registered in advance. That will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the main lobby of Oaklawn Hospital, 200 N. Madison St. Registrations will not be accepted at that time.

The registration fee includes a commemorative short-sleeve T-shirt. Shirts are guaranteed only to those registered by May 9. Further information is available from Shippell at (269) 789-3942.

The Hospitality Classic will feature a 10K race beginning at 7:30 a.m. that Saturday, followed by the 5K race at 9 a.m. A noncompetitive May Walk will begin at 9 a.m. following the runners, with the Mile Fun Run beginning at 10 a.m.

A free health fair at the Fountain Circle will be open to the public throughout the morning of the traditional races, and extend into the early afternoon for the convenience of visitors.

“The health fair is intended to bring together many displays and information booths featuring services by Oaklawn and area health and wellness vendors,” Shippell said. The fair will include live DJ music and an inflatable obstacle course.

A “Birdie Ball” activity also will be provided on the Honolulu House lawn during the event, under the auspices of First Tee, an organization that provides programs for youth and teaches life skills through the game of golf.

USA Track & Field has certified the Hospitality Classic’s courses, which start in downtown Marshall and follow city streets through the historic residential district, out into the country and back to the staging area with a fast downhill finish at the Honolulu House and Fountain Circle.

As race day approaches, the list of the event’s corporate and community sponsors and other donors has continued to grow.

That lineup includes top corporate sponsor Eaton Corp. as well as Chemical Bank, the Marshall Historical Society, the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, BluFish Consulting LLC, City of Marshall, Save-a-Lot Food Stores, O’Leary Water Care Services, Quality Engraving, Party Time Tents & More, McDonald’s of Marshall, WSI Racing, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co., Troup Electronics, Flash Sanitation, FUG Screenprint & Embroidery, Gazelle Sports, Marshall Disposal and State Farm Insurance – Lisa Sands.

Donations from sponsors are used toward purchase of awards, food and operating expenses, and to support Oaklawn’s 100 Lap Club programs in regional schools.

To earn membership into the 100-Lap Club, students run a cumulative total of 100 laps (one lap equals 1/5 of a mile) or their grade level equivalent around their designated school playground, track or home course. Students earn T-shirts and free admission to the Mile Fun Run; registration is required for any other event.