The Hoptown Half-Marathon and 5K will raise funds to benefit the Challenge House initiative this year in memory of founder and advocate Wally Bryan.
According to a news release, the racing event will take place on September 19 and although it will face some challenges of its own in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal is for around 1,000 racers to take part. Last year’s inaugural Hoptown Half-Marathon and 5K, which drew 632 participants from 16 states, resulted in a donation of $14,131 to the United Way of the Pennyrile.
In addition to the traditional half-marathon and 5K, race day will also have a one-mile “Wally’s Walkers” division, inspired by the late mayor’s involvement in a similar event during the annual Pennyrile Senior Games. Bryan, who also served two terms as Hopkinsville mayor, died suddenly of natural causes on May 14.
Will Bryan, the son of Wally Bryan, says, “We are especially honored that this year’s Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K has chosen to honor the life of our father, and that half the proceeds are being donated to Challenge House, which was so close to his heart. Dad always had a heart for Hopkinsville, and especially for those whom he referred to as ‘the least of these’ — the ones who were at a disadvantage because of their circumstances.”
The 2020 Hoptown-Half and 5K will observe social distancing as much as possible. For those unable to attend in-person, the virtual race option is also available, where participants can run the 13.1 miles or 3.1 miles on their own time and at their own location, but still receive race bib, shirt and medal. For more information about upcoming registration prices and deals call the Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Department at 270-887-4290.