By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Exercise breeding exercise. That's one of the primary goals for the Flatlander Half Marathon and 5K runs coming to Great Bend on Oct. 15. Back for a seventh year, the event not only promotes physical well-being, but also raises money for Be Well Barton County.
"The initial intent of the race was just to have a race for Great Bend," said Brandon Steinert with the Flatlander Planning Committee. "We wanted Great Bend to have a half-marathon, give people something to work toward a fitness goal because we believe in healthy individuals."
As it turns out, the race has been a success. Proceeds from the event are used to promote other activities around the area via Be Well Barton County. The organization has helped install bike racks in each community in the county, replaced the shade structure at Brit Spaugh Park, and promotes wellness and activity with events like the Friday Night Bike Ride.
The Flatlander will feature a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 5K run. Walkers are welcome in both events as wellness, not winning, is the goal for most.
"It's a very supportive atmosphere, particularly for the half marathon," Steinert said. "There are only a few people who show up to try to win. Most people are out there trying to beat their own personal times, and everybody is very supportive of one another and encouraging. The sense of competition does not outshine the mutual support everyone has for one another chasing their fitness goals."
The event has grown over the past several years, drawing approximately 100 runners from around the area and state, and even a few from out of state. The 10K race has been eliminated from the 2022 event due to low interest in that particular distance.
"The big benefit of our course is that's flat," said Steinert, "so people who are wanting to come out and set a personal record to set their personal time for a half-marathon can do so on our course a little easier because we don't have very many hills."
Steinert is one of six on the Flatlander Planning Committee. He said everyone works together with a common goal of promoting activity. "Everybody pitches in and everybody cares about the mission of this race," he said. "Nobody is making any money off of it. We just give our time and take pride in what we can create, the money we can raise, and the things it can do."
Registration for the race begins at $45. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, a swag bag of goodies from event sponsors, and a complimentary breakfast. The start and finish of each run will be near Jack Kilby Square.
CLICK HERE for more information or to register for the Flatlander races.