Strawberry Strut along Carthage Lake set for June 1, with race registration deadline of May 16

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Sign-up is open for the 45th running of the Strawberry Strut on Saturday, June 1.

The event includes the classic five-mile run along the Carthage Lake. Other events in this year’s Strut are a 5K run, a 5K walk and a one mile fun run/walk. The two 5K events in the Strut were added in 2022.

In a press release, Kris Pilkington, chairman of the Strawberry Strut steering committee, said, “Everyone wanted to keep the traditional five-mile run. However, our committee felt the 5K distance would be more comfortable for some runners and walkers and would encourage more people to take part.”

Race start times for the events are staggered and will follow this 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 when runs are finished at around 10 a.m.

To sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carthage/StrawberryStrut. The fee for the five-mile run, the 5K run and 5K walk is $30 in advance or $35 on race day. The fee for the one-mile run/walk is $10 or $15 on race day. Race-day registration will be held from 7 to 7:45 a.m. People who pre-registered can pick up race packets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at the Hancock County Courthouse or after 7 a.m. the morning of the race. All race packets must be picked up by 7:45 a.m.

All 5-mile and 5k participants who are registered by May 16 will receive a performance quality T-shirt. One-mile participants have the option to buy a shirt for $15 if registered by May 16.

Other events are planned on the square on June 1, coordinated by the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, including food trucks, vendors, store specials and entertainment.

Proceeds from the race this year have been pledged to benefit Hancock County Fights Cancer, which will have an event on the Hancock County Courthouse lawn later on race day.

Interested sponsors for the Strawberry Strut should contact Pilkington at hct02@hancockcounty-il.gov or treasurer Andy Bastert at abastert@bankfortress.com.