Bull Valley Monster Hill Challenge 5k Run returns April 6
The Bull Valley Monster Hill Challenge 5K Run is back!
The second annual event will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6. It includes a 5K Run, and 2K Family Walk/Run.
Both runs will start and finish at the intersection of Bull Valley and Valley Hill roads in Bull Valley.
Rumor has it that the Bull Valley Monster will make an appearance and be available for photos.
Carved out of the landscape left by retreating glaciers centuries ago, the Village of Bull Valley offers some of the most challenging hills in the region. Last year's participants agreed.
Colleen Bailey, a participant at last year's event, says "Thanks for putting on a fun event and I will certainly be back next year for round 2 of hill torture … I mean fun!"
Runners can register online at raceroster.com/21289 by Wednesday, March 20, to guarantee a Monster Hill Challenge T-shirt and monster-infested swag bag.
Suggested donation for $25 for the 5K, and $15 for the 2K. Children 12 and under walk/run for free, and receive Monster gift bags instead of T-shirts, but must register.
On-site registration on race day starts at 8 a.m. The races begin at 9 a.m.
The Village of Bull Valley has partnered with Operation Wild Horse to provide support for the program.
Operation Wild Horse is a program of Veterans Release and Relief, a 501(c)3 organization that provides active duty military and veterans the opportunity to take advantage of the healing effects that horses provide, utilizing Wild Mustang Horses adopted from the Bureau of Land Management. The Operation Wild Horse Veterans and their mustangs will be on-site and will participate again this year in the 2K Walk/Run.
"Volunteers explaining the story of the Mustangs was great," said Brandy Weirich, who participated last year. "Having actual veterans and their family present drives home the message and meaning of the program. This was fantastic."
Individuals and businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities are invited to call the village at (815) 459-4833.
"We ran the entire program last year through the generosity of sponsors, without a penny of taxpayer money," said Village President Emily Berendt. "We can do it again. We are grateful to our sponsors to date: Baxter and Woodman Engineering, Home State Bank, Peacock Graphics, Precision Body Works II, and State Farm Insurance."
Organizers are also seeking volunteers to fill a number of positions. Volunteers should plan to report at 7 a.m. on race day for training.
To volunteer or sponsor the event, call the village at (815) 459-4833 or email run.bvmonster@gmail.com.