Runners organize impromptu marathon

By Saturday afternoon, a group of intrepid Cape Girardeau athletes will be able to tell their future grandchildren they ran 26.2 miles in the snow.

Kim Kelpe, co-owner of Missouri Running Co., said some of her store's customers had planned to participate in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon on Saturday, but icy roads forced them to cancel their plans.

Undaunted, the runners began discussing the prospect of getting together for a run of equal distance in Cape Girardeau, Kelpe said.

"When my husband and I woke up this morning, we did not think we'd be working to put on a marathon and half-marathon tomorrow," Kelpe said this afternoon.

Kelpe and her husband, Bryan, decided to get involved to help keep runners safe, she said.

She described the impromptu race as "low-key."

It will start at 8 a.m. at Missouri Running Co., 1720 Kingsway Drive, and follow the LaCroix Trail.

Kelpe said three aid stations will be provided on the 13.1-mile out-and-back course.

Several members of Cape Girardeau's running community have volunteered to man the stations and hand out water, gels and hydration drinks to the participants, but Kelpe said she could use a few more.

"If we could get probably five to 10 more people, I think we'd be good," she said.

They also need donations of cookies, sandwiches, fruit and other goodies for runners to eat after the race, Kelpe said.

The run is open to anyone who would like to participate -- not just those who registered for the St. Jude Marathon, Kelpe said.

To volunteer or for more information about the run, visit Missouri Running Co.'s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/moruncocape.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

1720 Kingsway Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO