Press Release

Burgess to Hold Big Blue Run Event in May

Burgess Health Center is planning the Big Blue Run, a major new community event in Onawa to attract runners and non-runners alike, Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. at Blue Lake in Lewis and Clark State Park in Onawa.

The three races along Blue Lake and its paths will start at 9 a.m. near the park shelter house. The races will be a 5K and 10K run and 1.5 mile fun walk. Runners are being invited from a 100-mile radius. Male and female winners of the 10K and 5K races will win $50 gift certificates.

“This run is a great opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and paths at Blue Lake and our state park, which are great attractions in Onawa,” says Kris Petersen, Burgess ER director and run committee co-chair with co-worker Roxanne Swanson. “We hope to make the Big Blue Run an annual event that the whole community can enjoy.”

The event is being held at the end of National Hospital Week by Burgess run enthusiasts as a salute to health and fitness. It will take place rain or shine. Refreshments will be served, along with free popcorn.

The 1.5M, 5 K, and first half of the 10 K will follow the flat, paved lake road. If weather permits, the 10 K runners will follow a tree-lined trail in the second half of their route. Each mile will be marked and water will be available on the course. Traffic control will be provided.

"We’re planning this run as a special event for serious runners as well as individuals and families interested in a fun morning where they can walk," says Swanson. “We want persons of all ages, including kids and pets to join us to make it more festive.”

Burgess employees who make up the planning committee are Petersen, Swanson, Kim Norby, Lynette Dunham, Denise Truckenmiller, Teresa Butler and Patty Sandmann.

Persons can pre-register using forms at area businesses, the public library and the front desk of Burgess. Those who pre-register by April 30 will receive the official blue run t-shirt.

The fee will be $12 for the 5K and $15 for the 10K. Persons registering later will pay $15 and $20 respectively. Members of Missouri River Runners Club will receive a discount. Checks should be made payable to Burgess Health Center.