By: Ryan Duey
Abilene’s Eisenhower Marathon will bring runners from across the country to the Midwest on Saturday, April 19th, with races starting at 7:00 a.m. This Boston Marathon qualifying race is considered one of the flattest and fastest qualifying courses in the U.S.
Beginning in Old Abilene Town, racers will run a scenic route through Brown’s Park. This is Race Organizer Laurol Overlease’s first year at the helm after longtime Organizer, Steve Cathey, stepped away from the position after last year’s event. Overlease said it’s been a learning experience, but she’s ready for the day.
“It’s been a learning curve for sure. There are a lot of little things that people don’t talk about that have to go into place for this event to happen. Other than that, it’s just been a good learning opportunity.”
Overlease said the course is the same, with the options of running a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon. Aid stations will be placed throughout the course for racers as needed. This year Overlease is hoping to add more local opportunities for racers with a food truck option and a goodie bag with local offerings.
Overlease said they are still needing volunteers for the event.
“We are short volunteers, that is kind of where the race is running into a hiccup.”
“Some high schoolers are volunteering, and this is going to get them the hours they need for the school year. For any local groups like churches and organizations that do volunteer, we plan to donate back to them once the race is over to kind of say thanks.”
Community members are encouraged to bring chairs to Brown’s Park and show support for the racers. To help volunteer reach out to Overlease at weefitabilene@gmail.com or through her Facebook page. Information on this year’s Eisenhower Marathon can be found on its website or Facebook page.
