RIVER BENDS RACE COURSE

A fitting title for tonight's 13th Annual Kohlfeld Riverfest Run could be "A River Runs through It."

Because of the Flood of '95, the annual Riverfest Run will take a slight detour to prevent the event from taking on the look of a triathlon.

The 5.2-mile course will tag a jog off its traditional straight shot from Main to Cape Rock Road to Cape Rock Park. The 1995 version will see runners detour to 177 and catch Fourth Street back to Main. In order to preserve the race distance, the runners will reach the midpoint of the race, and turn around, at the Water Plant instead of Cape Rock Park.

The race will begin at 7:30 p.m. to the blasts of guns wielded by confederate and union soldier re-enactors.

"It's basically the same course," said Riverfest Run organizer Joy Gilbert.

What may be different is the race winners. Defending women's champion Alicia Wolmering, formerly Southeast Missouri State University's cross country coach, has moved from Cape Girardeau and is not expected to compete.

On the men's side, two-time defending champion Michael Danner has yet to register. However, the last two years Danner registered the day of the race. Danner was a graduate student at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale last year when he won by 22 seconds over former Southeast runner Joe Dandridge.

Gilbert said she has 200 advance registrations, which consists of numerous out-of-town runners, many of whom she is not familiar with.

The void on the women's side leaves Jackie Toy, last year's runner-up, as the leading contender for the women's title. Toy is already entered in the race.

The top male and female finisher receives a $100 bond. Runner-ups will receive $75 bonds and third-place finishers will be awarded $50 bonds.

Trophies will also be given to each age division winner. Over 100 trophies will be awarded in addition to ribbons to all who complete the courses.

In addition to the 5.2 mile race, a 1-mile fun run and fitness walk will be held.

Last year the Riverfest Run featured its largest field ever as 400 competitors signed up.

"Most of the people are fun runners and walkers," said Gilbert.

Of the 400 last year, 380 finished. Gilbert is looking for the race to break a new record with over 400 finishers.

Race day registration will be held at the Boatmen's Bank parking lot at Broadway and Main from 5-7 p.m.. Registration costs is $6 per person in advance ($5 each person for families of three or more) and $7 race day. All participants will receive a Riverfest Run T-shirt, commemorative finish ribbon and refreshments.

The Kohlfeld Distributing Co. and Boatmen's are co-sponsoring the event. The Cape Girardeau Road Runners Club is running the event.