Runner Spotlight - Randy Garrett

2022/23 Polar Bear Grand Prix 65-69 Age Group Champion

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running? Thinking back to when I started running adds up to a lot of years and miles ago. I started running seriously 48 years ago for stress relief, good health, and math. In college as an engineering student I had many math formulas to memorize and would write them on index cards and review them as I put in the miles.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix? The Polar Grand Prix races were my first races after moving to Louisville in 2014. Such a beautiful course and so much runner enthusiasm. That keeps me coming back and running them.

Favorite distance? My favorite race distance is the half marathon. It’s also a good distance for me to train for as it stretches out my mind and body and makes me work hard. My mind does drift as I run and it provides plenty of time for that.

Favorite place to run? Since I try to run as often as I can, my favorite place to run is anywhere out my back door. Louisville has some great neighborhoods and parks. It is just a blast to take off and explore and gaze.

Favorite or most unique race you have run? Having run ten Ragnars across the country, and three Bourbon Chase races here, the most beautiful course I have experienced is the Wasatch Back Ragnar in Utah. Just a very interesting course with beautiful scenery all along the way. You should go for it!

Favorite thing about running? My favorite thing about running is that it just makes me feel good and feel like I am an athlete. Trying to lead a healthy life is important and running certainly contributes to that. But, it just makes me feel good (at the end of the run that is).

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer? My advice is that the road goes on forever and we all should too. Don’t stop, or if you do get back out there or do something to keep moving.

Why do you like running River City Races events? Running River City Races give me goals to set and push for. The Grand Prix gets me out into that crowd of runner’s enthusiasm that is so cool to be a part of. Runners having a good time.

Anything else you'd like to share? To end I would say continue to push yourself while listening to your body. See you on the road.

Runner Spotloight - Allecia Hull

3rd Place 30-34 Female in the Polar Bear Grand Prix

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I ran cross country in high school, but my running habits have been off and on since then—mostly off. In 2021 though I got Covid and couldn’t seem to shake the fatigue for months after, so a friend suggested I start running with her to build up stamina. I haven’t stopped since then! 

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

I was researching races to do locally to help me stick to my work-outs and discovered this series. I loved the races so much even with the hills and the cold I plan on making this an annual tradition.

Favorite distance?

I like any run between 4-6 miles. I like longer runs but I start getting bored after about an hour of running if I am not with someone. 

Favorite place to run?

Beckley Creek Park—there are so many trails and places for you to run and explore. 

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

I really like the Derby Festival Half Marathon. The vibe is so energetic and fun, and I love that we get to run through Churchill Downs. There were even horses out practicing at last year’s race which was so cool to see.  

Favorite thing about running?

It fixes a lot of my problems! Slight headache? Just run. Feeling anxious or angry? Lace up your sneakers! Whether I need to think through a problem, burn some energy or am feeling sluggish running always tends to make things better. 

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

You are going to have some rough runs, but you can’t have great runs without them! Just try to push yourself a little bit more than you think you can. It’s also ok if your body is screaming to walk or have a rest day---even if it wasn’t scheduled. 

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I have only run the Polar Prix (but plan on signing up for the Run the 502 this year!) but I loved that it was dog friendly. It was so fun to run alongside them…even though it’s been tempting me to get my own running dog much to my husband’s chagrin! :)

Runner Spotlight - Christina Simms

“What’s not to love about dogs in costumes!”

How and why did you get into running?

I began running in high school by joining Cross Country.  I really loved traveling across the state to parks and schools for meets every weekend. During the off season I would register and compete in local road races, my favorite was always the Iroquois Thanksgiving Day Run. I moved away from Louisville for College but still continued to run in my free time.  I always felt running was a great workout and the perfect way to manage daily life stresses. I also loved that the running community is so welcoming to everyone, no matter how skilled you were.  As I got older I spent less time in my schedule on running and more time walking my dogs.  My current dog is a 5 year old dalmatian named Copper.  When he turned two I thought I would give running together a shot. I didn’t take him long to learn, he may even love it more then I do! I do not think he appreciates all the costumes I put him in, but at least he is a good sport and tolerates them well.  We walk/run through our neighborhood every evening and we now enjoy mixing it up by being a part of the different River City Racing events. The dog specific runs are our favorite events, as there are more fellow four legged friends for Cooper to socialize with. 

Favorite distance:

For racing I prefer the 5K.  This is a more manageable distance for Cooper when running.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?:

My advice is just go for it.  You don’t have to run the entire distance to call yourself a runner! Pick a realistic goal and work your way up.  Once you hit your goal choose another one.  Celebrate what your body can do!  It doesn’t matter if you run a 5 minute mile or a 15 minute mile.  You are doing great and should be proud of yourself.  You showed up, made the commitment, and stuck with it when so many others don’t make the effort to even start.  Most importantly HAVE FUN.

Why do you like running River City Races events?:

On a whim I registered for Bark in the Park 2022.  I was looking for a fun event for Cooper and I to try, and I was not disappointed.  The event was well organized and we had a wonderful time.  I signed up for the Pupkin Spice race next.  What’s not to love about dogs in costumes! After that we were hooked and registered for the remaining races of the season. We like to dress up in crazy costumes and make people smile.  We have made so many new friends by participating in River City Races.  Not only are the fellow runners fun to compete with, but the spectators are amazing as well! There is always tons of encouragement as we are passing by, a few have even photographed us and sent us the photos after the race is over. It is always fun meet new people, and catch up with those we already know.  Running and walking has always been a solo hobby of mine, it has been a nice change of pace to have a whole new community to be a part of.   I also love that River City Races raises money for a variety of organizations and offers something different from the standard T-shirt participation gift. River City Races is well rounded and offers something for everyone !

Anything else you'd like to share?:

Thank you to all the volunteers who make every event so special!  You are so welcoming to every participant and I appreciate everything you do to make each event enjoyable.

Runner Spotlight - Noah Vasilakes

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I started running in 6th grade as part of the Woodford County Cross Country Team and continued running throughout Middle and High School. Some of my best memories and best friends were made running on the cross country course or through town. I have been running off and on since high school but have been taking things a little more seriously since 2020. That year I made a goal of running 500 miles, and surpassed it by September, and then in 2021, I made a goal of running 1000 miles and barely finished in late December. My wife and I had our first child in 2022, so my training and mileage have been less since then, believe it or not.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

My father was a really good runner in the late 80's/early 90's but got injured and had to step away from the sport. He recently picked running back up and we both ran another race in the fall during which he got first in his age group. He signed up for the Polar Bear Grand Prix and invited me to do the same. Unfortunately his injury flared up again and he wasn't able to compete. I went ahead and signed up for the Grand Prix anyway. Having a race to train for is a great way to keep motivated, especially in the winter months when it's tough to get yourself out the door.

Favorite distance?

I have always enjoyed the 5K. Its short enough that you can push the pace or tough it out (depending on the day) and its a distance that doesn't take a serious toll on your body. The final race of the Grand Prix, the 4 miler, was great too, though. It was my first race of that distance; it was fun to do a race that still felt fast but with a little more grit.

Favorite place to run?

Anywhere new. If I had to choose a place near home, it would have to be the breezeway/bikelane on Castlewood Avenue that connects Barret with Tyler Park.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

 In August of 2020, I did my first trail race, a 10 mile run. There may have only been 3 runners in the category, due to pandemic restrictions, but I had a blast pushing myself and tromping through the woods.

Favorite thing about running?

My favorite thing about running is being outside, and seeing nature or the city. Keeping in shape and challenging myself to improve are two other benefits.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

I would encourage anyone to set concrete running goals for themselves. I find its the best way to keep motivated and improve.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

The Polar Bear Grand Prix races were my first with River City Races but definitely won't be my last. It was fun to run in somewhat smaller races, against other runners in the community, and to get to compete with many of the same people each race.

Anything else you'd like to share?

When I'm not running my legs, I'm running my mouth. My other hobby is hosting a history podcast called 202 Decades of Western History. While not directly related to running, I do mention the Marathon.

Runner Spotlight - Felix Gravatte

2022/2023 Polar Bear Grand Prix 9 & Under Champion

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I started running for my school cross country team in Kindergarten. We took a year off for the pandemic, but stayed active. I'm in 3rd grade now and last season I ran for my school and a local club cross country team.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

I was sad cross country season ended and wanted to keep running.

Favorite distance?

I like running the 5k.

Favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is at Joe Creason park during the Parkrun on Saturday mornings.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

I enjoy the Halloween cross country races where we can wear costumes.

Favorite thing about running?

I like being outside in the parks with my friends.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Make sure you are having fun.

Why do you like running River City Races events? 

The awards and the pictures.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I like to travel and see new places.