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SPORTS
Hot dogs, healthy living come together for run
HUNTINGTON -- At a time when health foods reign supreme, hot dogs have not always made the list of foods that benefit your well-being.
However, the Bun Run 5K distance run is quickly changing that line of thinking.
Now, at least for one day in Huntington, running and hot dogs correlate in perfect harmony.
"We wanted to try and do several events that would appeal to all lifestyles in the Tri-State," said Kym York-Blake, the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival's event coordinator. "Hot dogs may be that guilty pleasure for some, but there are still a lot of people that love to work out. And there are honestly several who run in the race at 8 a.m., go to the awards presentation at 9:30 a.m. and then stay and have lunch."
The fourth Bun Run 5K will start at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena and wind down Huntington's main streets.
This road race not only gives runners an opportunity to burn a few calories while having fun, but more importantly, proceeds from the race go to the Joan C. Edwards Children's Cancer Clinic.
"When we developed this festival to celebrate Huntington and the hot dog traditions here, we wanted to find a charity and make sure the money stays local," York-Blake said. "It's helped so many families and so many kids over the last four years. We are very proud if that."
Marshall University's recreational sports department is coordinating the race. Runner Jason Pyles said having a great race director such as Sharon Stanton, MU's director of rec sports and fitness activities, is what keeps the numbers and essentially the proceeds growing.
"They do a great job getting the brochures out and that's big because people will come support the event if they know it is happening," Pyles said. "Another thing that keeps runners coming is how you are treated and they do a great job with the race."
The race has grown into one of the largest 5K events in the area with 283 runners finishing last year.
Pyles has done Internet research on 5K events held in Huntington and found that the biggest was the 2005 Marshall Alum 5K with 348 runners. That race was also directed by Stanton.
The main draw for the Bun Run 5K is the cause, but there are also two strong dynamics to the event. The race invites competitive runners who are looking for a tune-up to future races and the course layout makes it perfect for those in it for non-competitive reasons.
"It's a flat and fast course, very runner and walker friendly," Stanton said.
The race starts at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena and turns at Seventh Street before getting on Fifth Avenue. Participants will go East down Fifth Avenue and make a left at 20th Street before getting on Third Avenue. Racers will then get on Veterans Memorial Boulevard before ending near the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Stanton said the numbers and the weather are making for a successful Bun Run 5K, but she wants everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to come out and support the event.
"Right now, we have 150 signed up which is great for being this early," Stanton said. "We'll be down at Pullman from 12 to 6 on Friday. On Saturday, they can register from 7 to 7:45 a.m."
Registration before race day is only $15 and it goes up to $20 on the morning of the race. The first 300 participants are guaranteed a T-shirt.
