Delano Park 12-Hour Run

Annual Delano Park 12-Hour Run - Small Race Produces Big Results for Local Charity

The Decatur River City Runners will host the sixth annual Delano Park 12-Hour Run on March 10, 2012 at Delano Park. Spring has not always sprung in the middle of March and for the first few years, runners braved the elements and took part in the day-long run, but the 2011 event brought near perfect weather conditions and raised approximately $17K for a local charity.

 The race began in 2007 with just a 27 runners. Unfavorable weather conditions, from thunderstorms and hail to snow and ice, have not slowed the pace. Last year, the event was at capacity with 139 runners from across the United States participating. Founding organizer Eric Schotz, who moved St. Paul from Decatur in 2011, is expected to return to Decatur to compete in this year’s event.

The race consists of multiple laps of a one mile tree-lined path through Delano Park. Participants can compete as individuals or as part of relay teams with the goal to complete as many laps as possible within the 12-hour time limit.

The event will kickoff at 6 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. Race forms are available for downloading at www.delano12.com. Packet pickup along with late registration is set for Friday, March 9 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 801 Jackson Street.

 Along with the 12-hour run, there will be a 50-mile race for those interested in running for a set distance as opposed to a set time. Walkers are also welcome to compete. Each participant will receive a personalized plaque, a race t-shirt, and other race goodies. In the 12-Hour Run, awards will be given based on highest mileage to the top 3 places overall, masters winner, and grandmasters winner for both genders. Relay awards based on mileage will be given to the top team. In the 50-mile, awards based on time will be presented to the first male and female individuals. The number of entries will be limited to 100 total including relay teams.

Delano park is located at 825 Gordon Drive Southeast in Decatur. Net proceeds from the race benefit the Centers for Developmentally Disabled - North Central Alabama. For more information, visit www.delano12.com or call Jon Elmore at 256.351.7426.