RACE: RIVERFEST RUN PLANNED FOR DOWNTOWN FRIDAY

Families looking for physical recreation can find it Friday at the 9th Annual Kohlfeld Riverfest Run.

The run will be held the first day of the Riverfest '91 celebration at the Cape Girardeau riverfront. Run activities will begin at 7:30 p.m., rain or shine.

Two separate activities will be held: a 5-mile road run and a one-mile fitness walk and fun run.

Run director Joy Gilbert said the activities are family-oriented and that all ages may participate.

"Right now we have a family registered four children and mom and dad and this is typical," she said.

Last year, 3-year-olds participated in the run, she said, as did a 77-year-old.

"This year we have a 1-year-old entered. I don't know if she'll get pushed or what. Maybe she'll go on dad's backpack," said Gilbert.

Participants in the one-mile event may either walk, jog, "or whatever," she said. This year marks the fourth year the event has been offered at the Riverfest Run.

"Youngsters enjoy the one mile. They like to mimic their parents in running," Gilbert said.

Last year, 284 people finished in both of the run's events. Organizers are looking to top 300 this year.

Pre-registration fee for the run is $4 and can be paid on or before June 4. After that date, the cost will be $6. Registration closes at 7 p.m. on race day.

Participants will gather at the Boatman's Bank parking lot at Main and Broadway, where the activities will begin.

Gilbert said the race course is a safe one, with aid stations along the way.

Post-race refreshments of Pepsi, Gatorade and beer will be available.

Each participant will receive a Kohlfeld Run Riverfest T-shirt. Those who pre-register are guaranteed a shirt, Gilbert said.

This year's shirt has a patriotic theme because of the Persian Gulf War. The t-shirt pictures a runner carrying a U.S. flag in front of a black pilot's wheel.

Everyone who completes the one-mile gets a Riverfest award ribbon. The 5-mile runners compete for trophies.

Registration forms are available at the Cape Girardeau Vocational-Technical School, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Missourian newspaper, and sports shops such as Foot Locker and Howard's Sporting Goods.

Gilbert may also be called for registration forms at 335-3617.