GRRRR returns to Pikes Peak State Park
Walk or run in a scenic setting at the iconic Great River Road - Road Race (GRRRR) on Saturday, Oct. 7. After a year away due to construction on the parking lot and campground, the 5K and 10K races return to Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor. (Times-Register file photo)
Walkers, runners encouraged to sign up by Sept. 14
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
Walk or run in a scenic setting at the iconic Great River Road - Road Race (GRRRR) on Saturday, Oct. 7. After a year away due to construction on the parking lot and campground, the 5K and 10K races return to Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor.
“We got a lot of good comments last year having it in McGregor, however, the die hard runners appreciate the route up there. It’s straight, and the rolling hills aren’t too bad. Plus, it’s just the tradition of it,” said GRRRR organizer Duane Boelman. “It’s a beautiful spot. And with the new improvements at the park, it really looks nice.”
GRRRR returned in 2019, after a 17-year hiatus. With the pandemic, and now construction, in the rearview, Boelman hopes the race—and the tradition that once drew hundreds of runners to the McGregor-Marquette area each fall—can continue uninterrupted from here on out.
“We really want to build this race around runners,” he said. “It’s great for those who want a good, fast run. They can maybe even set a personal best time.”
GRRRR is a chip-timed event and open to both walkers and runners. The race will start at 8:30 a.m., following a free kids fun run. Overall male and female 5K and 10K winners will be recognized along with top finishers in each age category.
Several years ago, at the suggestion of some participants, organizers added some divisions for older runners.
“Previously, it stopped at 60 and up. But people are staying in shape into their older years, so we changed it. Now, there is 60 to 69, 70 to 79 and 80 and up,” Boelman said. “Last year, we had participants in all of them.”
All participants will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, goody bag, after race refreshments and complimentary pancake breakfast.
People are encouraged to sign up by Thursday, Sept. 14 to ensure a shirt on race day. The design this year is a throw-back to the shirt from 1994, selected in a Facebook vote this summer.
It’s fitting, said Boelman, “because people often wear GRRRR shirts from years ago when they compete.”
After the race, participants can enjoy the (un)traditional GRRRR breakfast of pancakes with chicken gravy. Don’t worry, syrup is available too.
“The pancake breakfast is also open to the public, with free will donations appreciated,” Boelman said.
Serving will be at the Pikes Peak State Park shelter from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Volunteers from the Turner Park: Fitness for All Ages Committee are organizing the breakfast, and proceeds will benefit improvements at McGregor’s Turner Park.
GRRRR proceeds will support the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce.
Register for GRRRR at https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/McGregor/GRRRRGreatRiverRoadRoadRoadRace. Paper copies are available at the McGregor-Marquette Chamber office, 146 Main St. in McGregor, or can be requested by emailing greatriverroadroadrace@gmail.com.
If you would like more information, or would like to volunteer for the event (around a dozen people are currently needed), email greatriverroadroadrace@gmail.com or call the McGregor-Marquette Chamber at (563) 873-2186. More info is also on the “GRRRR - Great River Road - Road Race 5K and 10K” Facebook page.
