By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Pawnee Rock is set to be a hub of activity on Saturday, Aug. 10. The second annual Pawnee Rock Hard Rock Race and 1-mile Fun Walk begin at 7:30 a.m. Pawnee Rock Revitalization Project Chairperson Denise Penn said the name is no accident.
"We call it the Hard Rock Run because it is a 5K," she said. "It's up a hill, down a hill, up a hill, up and around the Rock. It's quite hilly and quite challenging, but fun. We also have the 1-mile Fun Walk, which just goes from downtown, up and around the Rock, and back down for fun."
Pre-registration is available online through Friday, Aug. 9 (CLICK HERE). The cost is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the 1-mile event. Add $5 for day-of registration which begins at 7 a.m. Funds benefit the Revitalization Project, which continues its efforts to improve downtown Pawnee Rock with sidewalk and parking improvements planned.
"In the past, we have used those funds along with other donors' funds, along with the Golden Belt Foundation contributions, as well as the Barton County Commissioner contributions to create a gazebo, a gathering spot in the park in downtown," Penn said.
There will be no breakfast before the run this year as attendees are encouraged to stop at the Depot for a donation-based breakfast from 8-10 a.m. As part of the Pawnee Rock All School Reunion, class pictures, annuals, and other memorabilia will also be available to view.
From 1-3 p.m., enjoy a hamburger or hot dog lunch for a $5 donation at the Pawnee Rock Fire Department. Attendees can meet the volunteer firefighters, see the equipment, and vote for and watch a firefighter take a pie to the face.