Runners and walkers in this year’s “10K to the Bay” Homer Spit Run will not only enjoy the scenic 10K course that begins at Homer High School and continues the length of the Homer Spit, they also will benefit from the event’s new automatic timing technology, as well as other added conveniences.
The chip-timing system was debuted by the Kachemak Bay Running Club at the Migration Run in May. Chips are embedded into the racing bibs, automatically record times and stop once runners pass the finish line. The club’s new, large clock also will be on display so runners can see their finishing time.
The bathrooms at the end-of-the-Spit parking area near the finish line were installed and will add to the list of new conveniences.
Because the Homer Spit Run is a USA Track and Field certified 10 kilometer race, Bill Steyer, race director, said event organizers will not change the traditional race route that partially runs on the road to follow the new addition of the Homer Spit Trail. Organizers will re-evaluate that as an option for future races once the length of the addition to the trail is calculated.
Steyer, who also coaches Homer High School’s cross country and track and field teams, expects to see several of his athletes compete, including recent Homer High graduate Pedro Ochoa, as well as Molly Mitchell and Aurora Waclawski. In 2013, Mitchell, Waclawski and former classmate Barae Hirsch tied as first-place women finishers.
Because the Spit Run continues to grow in popularity, skilled athletes from other locations around the state and beyond provide local athletes with strong competition, according to Steyer.
A hosted deck party will take place after the race at Land’s End Resort and will feature beverages and a discounted food menu. Each runner also receives a ticket for a shot at winning “lots and lots of really good door prizes,” as Steyer put it.
The event is a joint effort between Kachemak Bay Running Club, the city of Homer Parks and Recreation, South Peninsula Hospital and Homer News. Steyer also noted contributions from “Ulmer’s Drug and Hardware, and the multitude of businesses in the Homer community that have gone above and beyond with their donations.”
Proceeds from the event go to the running club’s youth running programs.
Midnight tonight is the deadline for online registration, found at kachemakrunningclub.org. Registration is $30 online and $40 the day of the race. Children 9-years-old and under are free and register on race day. Homer Spit Run T-shirts are available for the first 250 registered runners.
The race begins at the Homer High School parking lot at 10 a.m. Saturday, with race day registration from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
For more information contact Steyer at 399-1078.
Shannon Reid is a freelance writer who lives in Homer.
