STAFFORD — Stafford County Tourism is sponsoring a three-race series between September and December.
Runners wanting to participate can still sign up for the Halloween 5K and Monster Mile on October 27 and the Frosty 5K and Reindeer Run on December 15.
The first in the series, Cannon Run, was a four-mile race that took place on September 9.
“Cannon Run, created around the “Yankees in Falmouth” event several years ago, was the original race started by Stafford Tourism to encourage those interested in living history events and who also enjoy a run along the river. The Frosty 5K was created to bring attention to our signature Christmas Event Christmas in Stafford as well as the Stafford Christmas Parade that follows that event,” states Stafford spokeswoman Shannon Howell in an email.
All three races are managed by the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sports Center, which opened in 2016 under a public-private partnership between the Stafford County Government and Fredericksburg-based Eastern Sports Managment.
According to Howell, the entire race series costs approximately $15,000 to put on.
Any revenue received above the expenses to the Embrey Mill and Rouse Center Annual Swim Scholarship, while profits from The Frosty 5K and reindeer run will be donated to charity, said Howell.
Stafford County Tourism is a sponsor of the race series.
All three of the races took place last year, but not in a series. The combined total of runners in the races last year was about 500 adult racers and 200 children, according to Howell. This year the county anticipates 120 race participants for the inaugural year of the series.
There are plans to continue this race series annually, according to Howell.
“The desire is to increase attendance to our tourism assets, hotels, local businesses, and events,” said Howell.
She could not provide figures on the anticipated revenue after expenses the races would generate. The race is held by a mixture of employees and volunteers. To volunteer for the Halloween 5k or the Frosty 5k, contact the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sports Center.
