Through the woods

Russell Lands plans forest run for Feb. 27.

By Katie Cole (Contact) | Alex City Outlook

Published Friday, February 5, 2010

Russell Lands is preparing for its inaugural 10k run and, fittingly, it will be held in the Russell Forest.

The Russell Forest Run will take place Saturday, Feb. 27, and will raise money for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation, which supports technology in the school.

Alexander City Schools Chief Financial Officer Rhonda Blythe said they appreciate the donation.

“The Alexander City Schools Education Foundation made a commitment to support the school systems in the area of technology,” Blythe said. “They are going to use this money to further that support.”

The Russell Forest Run will take runners through a 20,000-acre forest on “cabin roads” made of a clay/gravel mix.

A free Russell Athletic Dri-Power shirt will be given to pre-registered runners and winners will be decided using chip timing. Aid and hydration will be provided at the halfway point and finish.

Custom-made awards will be given to winners in ten age groups.

“We’ve actually designed race-specific awards that will be made out of wood,” said Robert Gunn, director of special events and social media for Russell Lands. “The (awards) tie it back to the forest.”

The awards will be given at an after-race party, which will also feature a band and food and drinks, in the stables at Russell Crossroads.

The 10k race will begin at 8 a.m. at Russell Crossroads. A one-mile Fun Run will begin an hour later at 9 a.m. on Feb. 27 and entry costs $10. Entry to the 10k is $40 through Feb. 26 and $50 on race day.

Race packets can be picked up Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday morning from 6 to 7:30 a.m. at the Discovery Center at Russell Crossroads.

For more information, call 256-397-1019 or email RussellForestRun@russelllands.com. Registration can also be completed online at www.russellforestrun.com.

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