43rd annual Strawberry Strut in Carthage to be held Saturday morning

CARTHAGE, Ill. — The 43rd Strawberry Strut, a five-mile run along Lake Carthage, is scheduled for Saturday, June 4. Other events this year consist of a Strut 5K run, a 5K walk and a one mile fun run/walk.
Participants can register online in advance to be part of the event. To sign up, go to runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carthage/StrawberryStrut.

Those who have pre-registered can pick up race packets from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3, at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage, or after 7 a.m. the morning of the race. All race packets must be picked up by 7:45 a.m. Saturday.

The fee for the five-mile run, the 5K run and 5K walk is $25 in advance, increasing to $30 on race day. The fee for the one-mile run/walk is $10, increasing to $15 on race day. The two 5K events in the Strut are new this year.

In a press release, Steve Evans, chairman of the Strawberry Strut steering committee said, “We believe the addition of 5K events will allow more people to participate. Everyone wanted to keep the traditional five-mile run, but our committee felt the 5K distance would be more comfortable for some runners and walkers and would encourage more people to take part.”

Race day start times are staggered. Participants will start on the following schedule:

• 5-mile run – 8:15 a.m.
• 5K walk – 8:30 a.m.
• 5K run – 8:40 a.m.
• 1-mile fun run/ walk – 8:45 a.m.

Awards will be presented at around 10 a.m.

Four water stops are stationed along the course, with water supplied by Memorial Hospital Foundation, WCAZ, Will Sullivan and State Farm Insurance agent Kris Dornbush, who also will provide cuties and energy bars.

Strawberry Strut sponsors are Fortress Bank, Hy-Vee, Memorial Hospital, Brenda Young Real Estate, Quincy Medical Group, Western Illinois Insurance, Will Sullivan Auction, Marine Bank, MTC Communications, Steve Evans and Ramsey Financial.

Proceeds from the race have been pledged to benefit Hancock County Fights Cancer, whose summer event will be held on the Hancock County Courthouse lawn immediately after the Strut. Other events are also planned for the day on the square and are coordinated by the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce.