TThe Big Run, part of the celebration of Global Running Day, returns June 1 for Tennessee Valley Outsiders with a 5K event in Madison.
Fleet Feet Madison will host the 5K at Palmer Park in Madison. Runners will start at the park and utilize the Bradford Creek Greenway before returning to finish at the park. The run begins at 6 p.m. and registration is open. There is no on-site race registration.
Packet pickup at Fleet Feet Huntsville will be May 31 from 12-6 p.m., and at Fleet Feet Madison on June 1 from 10-2 p.m.
The Big Run is presented by Brooks Running.
Fleet Feet’s charitable arm, Do the Run Thing, has partnered with Girls on the Run and its SoleMates program to support more young people. SoulMates members raise money while completing critical challenges. Or, to also help, you could donate to your local Girls on the Run council.
The Big Run Returns
It will be nice to have a return of the event this year. The handful of runners who showed up in 2021 at Palmer Park were greeted with leaden skies and looming thunderstorms. It looked like Gozer was returning in Ghostbusters. One storm already had passed through the area, soaking everything. Wind was kicking up and the next downpour loomed.
Eventually, and unfortunately, the 2021 event was canceled. While I’m not averse to running in the rain, lightning and the potential for limbs snapping due to high winds isn’t in my wheelhouse. I’ve been out in both and it’s dangerous. So, common sense prevailed last year.
This year, perhaps, we’ll have better weather. The Big Run is a keystone to Global Running Day, which “is a worldwide celebration of running that encourages people of all ages and abilities to get moving. This day plays an important role, reminding us of the positives that running can offer and the power of unification.”
Even if you join virtually, consider signing up and participating. It’s fun and you’ll be around like-minded people enjoying themselves.
(Photo: Fleet Feet)
