Arkansas Grand Prix Series – Go! Mile Race Set for June 15

Go! Mile Race Details

June 15th

Burns Park Soccer Complex, North Little Rock

7:30 a.m.

Three years, one mile, and hundreds stepping up to run “One lap. One mile. One fast little race.” Go! Mile, presented by Go! Running and part of the Arkansas Grand Prix series, challenges the novice to the elite to one fun one-mile running event.

Slated for Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 7:30am in Burns Park in North Little Rock, the 7-heat event is open to all levels of competitors and includes a “mini-mile” for kids only.

“It’s a different kind of race and it’s been a hit” said Gary Taylor, Go! Mile Race Director and Go! Running owner. “Each year we look for ways to make the race better, and this year – the third year, we’ve continued to build on the fun atmosphere and will become more of a Race Festival, including a packet pick up “expo” with a prize wheel and special offers. On race day, you’ll see a race day village.

“As an Arkansas Grand Prix Championship Race, we offer a unique race in the running series and with the addition last year of “The First Mile” we opened a door for novices to try running a race for fun and take the first steps to making running a part of your everyday life,” Taylor said.

7 Exciting Heats – Exciting from the First Mile to the Last

Endurance races such as half-marathons, marathons, 5k and 10ks are popular in the running community, but a chip-timed, one-mile road race is unique and provides runners with a new, fast and fun race experience. Races include: The First Mile for novice runners, two open men’s and two open women’s races, an elite mile race and a kid’s mini-mile for ages 9 and under.

Why Run the Go! Mile?

• A Race for Everyone in the Family – Beginning with The First Mile, to races just for mom, one for dad, for brother/sister, friends AND the little “mini-mile” for kids. Everyone in the family can run and watch each other compete.
• High-Energy Atmosphere – Races go off very 15 minutes. So someone is always starting and finishing! The course is spectator friendly with clear views of the whole mile race. The start and finish are right next to each other for you can move from the starters gun to the finish line in minutes.
• Exciting Elite Race – Where else can you go to watch truly elite runners race? Excitement and speed build, as we end the heats with the fast race of the day. Elite runners are coming from all over Arkansas, Oklahoma and the south. Prize money is awarded to the top 3 Male and Female finishers, so the race is indeed competitive! NEW for 2013 – this year the Go! Mile is the RRCA Southern Region “One Mile” Championship.
• The Kid’s Mini Mile –  a fun run that celebrates and encourages fitness. The run is just ½ mile, and part of the adult Mile course, so participants will experience the same excitement of the finish line as the adult runners. All finishers of the Mini Mile receive a special kid-appropriate award.

One Unique Race

“The race has a competitive feel, despite the short distance,” Taylor said. “Just like a race, we have a real track gun start, times are called out at the quarter mile, the halfway mark has a clock and a bell signifies the last quarter mile to go.”

NEW for 2013 – A Race Village & Championship Races

It’s a race for all ages and experiences.  Adding to the excitement, this year’s Go! Mile boasts a Race Day Village.  Runners, friends and families are invited to wind down and hang out post race to enjoy music, refreshments, take a fun fitness challenge (CrossFitLR), get your family photo taken (Bedford), register to win some great prizes and check out many race day wares.

• NEW: Arkansas Grand Prix Championship Race
• NEW: RRCA Southern Region One Mile Championship Race

This race is open for all ages and entry cost affordable: Ages 18 & over is $20 to enter. Under 18 only $10 and Mini-Mile Kid entry is only $5. Plus, for each Go! Mile Adult registration, get a free mini-mile registration. So the family is truly encouraged to join in.

“The Go! Mile has caught on.  This year, we’re expecting 600-700 entrants,” Taylor said. “Take the challenge, try running and start the fun by shooting for just one mile.”

How to Register and for More Information

Runners can register online at www.gorunning.com/gomile, and www.arkansasrunner.com, or visit Go! Running in the Heights, 1819 N. Grant St, Little Rock. 501-663-6800. Registration will also be available at Packet Pick up: Friday, June 14th at Go! Running 10-6, and race morning at the course on Saturday, June 15^th at 6:30am.

SCHEDULE:

6:30 AM Registration Opens

7:30 AM: The First Mile, Men & Women Novice runners

7:45 AM: Heat A – Women Ages 39 & Under

8:00 AM: Heat B – Men Ages 39 & Under

8:15 AM: Heat C – Women Ages 40 & Over

8:30 AM: Heat D – Men Ages 40 & Over

8:50 AM: Elite Heat*

9:05 AM: Kids’ Mini Mile**

9:20 AM: Awards Ceremony

*Mile times: Men who can run 5:30 or under and Women who can run 6:30 or under.

**The Kids Mini Mile is 1/2 mile race for kids aged 9 and under. All kids will race together and each finisher receives a prize!

Race Benefits The Winston Penn Wardlaw Memorial Fund

The Go! Mile proceeds will benefit the Winston Penn Wardlaw Memorial Scholarship Fund to help young men from every walk of life have the same outstanding opportunity to attend Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, Arkansas as Win did. Win Wardlaw was someone who truly gave so much of himself, and was actively involved in serving others and giving back. He embodied the community spirit of Go! Running.

About Go! Running, Your Run/Walk Partner in Little Rock’s Heights

Established in April 2010, Go! Running is more than a running store. It’s a community partner to benefit all levels of runners and walkers focused on achieving a healthy, happy and active lifestyle. Go! Running offers personalized shoe fitting and gait analysis, advice and support. In addition to specialty running shoes, you can find the latest tech and fitness apparel, hydration and nutrition products, and a plethora of running accessories and gifts. Weekly Thursday night runs, store events, community race sponsorships and healthy community activities offer runners of all levels the opportunity to build their fitness and learn something new. At Go! Running, expect personal service and professional advice from athletes with years of experience and a passion for running.