Registration open for 44th annual Strawberry Strut to be held June 3 in Carthage

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Sign-up is open for the 44th running of the Strawberry Strut in Carthage on Saturday, June 3.

The Strawberry Strut is a 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.

To sign up, go to runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carthage/StrawberryStrut. The fee for the five-mile run, the 5K run and 5K walk is $30 in advance, increasing to $35 on race day. The fee for the one-mile run/walk is $10, or $15 on race day.

All 5-mile and 5K participants who are registered by May 16 will receive a performance quality T-shirt. Those who register after May 16 will not receive a T-shirt. One-mile participants have the option to buy a shirt for $15 during the registration process by May 16.

In a press release, Steve Evans, chairman of the Strawberry Strut steering committee, said “We believe the addition of 5K events allows more people to participate. “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.” The two 5K events in the Strut were added last year.

Race event start times are staggered. Participants will start on the following 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.

Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 7:45 a.m. Those who have pre-registered can pick up race packets on Friday, June 2, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage or after 7 a.m. the morning of the race. All race packets must be picked up by 7:45 a.m.

Awards will be presented when all runs are finished at approximately 10 a.m. These include several memorial awards and awards for numerous age groups.

Those interested in being a sponsor for the Strawberry Strut can contact Evans at evanss1946@gmail.com or treasurer Andy Bastert at abastert@bankfortress.com.

Proceeds from the race this year have been pledged to benefit Hancock County Fights Cancer, whose summer event will be held on the Hancock County Courthouse lawn later in the day on June 3. Other events planned on the square on June 3 coordinated by the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce are food trucks, sales vendors, store specials and entertainment.

Watch Strawberry Strut on Facebook for updates. Suggestions and questions are welcomed and can be sent to Evans.