Run, Walk, Or Waddle Our 17th Annual Duck and Run 5K

By: Leigh Patterson

It’s almost time for our 17th Annual Duck and Run 5K Fundraiser! The race will be held on Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at 7:00 am, and will begin and end at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. Our race course is certified (Course Certification AL21009JE), and this year we will be offering chip timing for the first time in the history of this race!

We are excited to be able to host the event again this year, after having to cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic.  Because this is an outdoor event, we plan to carry on with a few precautions in place.  With chip timing, we can release runners in smaller waves if needed in order to social distance, yet still have accurate race timing. Runners, walkers, and waddlers are all invited to participate!

The race course will take you on a scenic tour of Athens. You will run (or walk) through tree lined streets with lovely historic homes in both the Beaty Historic District and the George S. Houston Historic District. You will also run through a portion of The Square, showcasing the beautiful Limestone County Courthouse and many of the fun shops and restaurants that call The Square home.

This is one of KALB’s larger fundraisers with all race proceeds benefitting Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, and we are able to do this because of all of our generous sponsors.  This year’s event is sponsored by the following:  American Leakless Company, Athens-Limestone Hospital, Distinctive Landscaping Inc., Dunn Building Company, Brody Jackson-State Farm, Morell Engineering Inc., Crown Service Termite and Pest Control, Darla Bunker – Crye-Leike Realtors, First National Bank, Frame Gallery Off the Square, and Village Veterinary Clinic.

General Race Information: Starting and Ending point will be Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. There will be one water station mid-way through the course and splits will be called at each mile.  Runners will receive a t-shirt and a race packet.  Please preregister to guarantee your t-shirt size.

Entry Fee:  Pre-registration for 5K is $25.  Late and Race Day Registration is $30. Online registration through Race Roster ends at 11:59 pm on 9/11/21.  Registration by mail must be postmarked no later than 9/11/21. 

To Register:  Go to KALBCares.com and click Duck and Run 5K under the events tab.  You will find links for both online registration and a printable registration form, or drop by the KALB Office at 125 East Street during business hours to register in person.

Packet Pickup and Late Registration will be held on Friday, September 17th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the KALB office-125 East Street, Athens, AL

Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup will begin at 5:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 18th at the KALB office-125 East Street. The 5K begins at 7:00 a.m. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION please contact Eric or Leigh Patterson at duckandrun5k@yahoo.com, call 256-233-8000, or visit the KALB website at www.KALBcares.com. This event is non-refundable, however, your registration fee may be converted to a tax deductible donation per your request if you are unable to participate.  All race proceeds and donations benefit Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, Inc., a 501(C)3 non-profit organization.

By: Leigh Patterson

Executive Director – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful