The annual Wolf Creek Trail Run is adding a new twist this year for the half marathon.
The race, which will be held Saturday, April 16, along with a 6K run and 1.7-mile walk, will feature a new route that will include the 5-plus mile Crooked Branch Trail, locally known as the Twisted Sister Trail.
“We’ve never really utilized what I think is some of the best part of the trail,” said Steve Halter, Poplar Bluff Kiwanis member and race coordinator.
“You get back in there and it’s winding, secluded area, that’s really, really pretty.”
Runners may register prior to the start of the races, with the half marathon starting at 8 a.m. followed at 9:30 a.m. by the 6K and walk, but to be guaranteed an event T-shirt on race day they must register online by Thursday.
Cost is $25 for the 6K and walk and $30 for the half marathon. It includes a T-shirt, race, food and beverages.
All proceeds benefit Kiwanis Bacon Memorial Park in Poplar Bluff.
Last year approximately $3,500 was raised to go towards an all-inclusive playground at the park.
“Thanks to our sponsors we’re able to offer it at a really good price,” Halter said.
Now in its ninth year, the Wolf Creek Trail Run offers runners a unique race through the Mark Twain National Forest. Last year it attracted runners from around Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Illinois. Daniel Mustain of Poplar Bluff won the half marathon in 1 hour, 37 minutes, 4 seconds while Betsey Minkler of Memphis set a course record in winning the women’s title in 1:43.12.
The 6K race winner last year, Ellsinore’s Isaac Thompson, also set a course record of 26 minutes, 5 seconds while the top female runner, Kennedy Thayer of Poplar Bluff, was 40 seconds off the record pace.
Medals are awarded to the top two runners in each age division, male and female, for the 6K race while each runner in the half marathon to finish earns a medal.
Wolf Creek Trail is a 12-mile loop while the Crooked Branch Trail is a 5 1/4-mile detour that wiggles its way through the forest.
“It will be a nice little change up for them,” Halter said. “We’re excited about it.”
Maps for each race are on the event’s website at www.ultrasignup.com by searching for Wolf Creek Trail Run. Runners and walkers can also register for the race online on that site.
The US Forest Service and sponsors including Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, FCC Behavioral Health and Walmart, help offset the costs.
“Right now everything is looking good, I think we’re going to have a great turnout,” Halter said. “We’ve got a lot of great volunteers and a lot of great sponsors.”
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