Runner Spotlight - Lisa Kincaid

Continuing our features on Run the 502 stars, those who entered and completed all 11 races!

My first 5k was in 2018. I always said I would never run. But something clicked in my mid 40’s and I thought I might try it. My only son was a high school senior and I knew he would be leaving the nest in a year. The idea of “empty nest” worried. A friend encouraged me to join them in a 5k. I was worried and scared and nervous and excited. When I crossed that first finish line I was hooked. 

I love the variety of places to run in the 502. Louisville and southern Indiana have some beautiful places to run together and run the 502 allows you to explore so many of these. I also love the bling and completing the 502 gets an extra medal.

My favorite distance is the 5k.

My favorite place to run around Louisville is through Cherokee park. Even with the hills. 

Outside of Louisville I love to run at Disney.

I completed the Dopey challenge at Disney in 2023. I am most proud of this. 

I love how kind and encouraging everyone is. Cheering for strangers you pass and receiving high fives from others as you as running is the best!!

Advice…keep going. No matter your pace, just keep going and have fun.

The races are run very well. Organization and communication from the race staff is great. The dates and times of races work well for me.

Thank you for having a great race series in Louisville and southern Indiana. Looking forward to the next season to begin.  

Runner Spotlight - Russell Hall

Continuing our features on Run the 502 stars, those who entered and completed all 11 races!

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

I was introduced to running through my high school cross-country team, where I joined the team because it was a sport that I could actually compete in. I continued my running journey during my time in the military as a daily exercise. I grew to hate running and barely participated when it was required to do so. I stopped running after I was discharged from the military in 2012. I was reintroduced to running by a coworker in 2022 as an effective means of sustainable weight loss. I've been training ever since.

Why did you decide to do the Run the 502?

My reintroduction into the world of running was during the Santa Sprint 2022. I loved the turnout and support that everyone had for each other that I wanted to experience every event that River City Races and the Run the 502 had to offer.

Favorite distance?

My longest run has been the Downtown Doubler 8K. I find longer runs to be invigorating.

Favorite place to run?

I'd say that downtown Louisville has had the most beautiful scenery so far, but I look forward to finding new running experiences where I can find my new favorite place to run.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

Although the race had to ultimately be altered due to rain, the most unique race was the Bats 5K because it was supposed to end with a lap around the bases of Louisville Slugger Field. I really look forward to a proper finish at the 2024 Bats 5K

Favorite thing about running?

My favorite thing about running is the feeling that I get after I cross the finish line. "Runner's High" is a real feeling. The sense of accomplishment that I get because people say I shouldn't compete because of my weight is amazing. 

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

If you're just starting, take it slow and steady. Practice and dedication will get you where you want to be. Don't try to do too much at once. Running/walking will keep you younger longer. It's free and easy to get started.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

River City Races events generate crowds that have a common interest. The camaraderie and support that everyone has for each other is like no other. Everyone feels welcome and has a sense of belonging. Aside from the competition, River City Races supports great causes that I am proud to support.

Anything else you'd like to share?

The new running season is quickly approaching. I hope to see everyone out there for another year of amazing races.

Runner Spotlight - Ben King

Continuing our features on Run the 502 stars, those who entered and completed all 11 races!

I started running when I started high school in 1967 because I wanted to play basketball. They said they wanted us to run cross country to get in shape for basketball. So I ran cross country. Then after just a day or two of tryouts they cut me from basketball. I was never really given a chance. I was so upset. My uncle who was coach at the University of Louisville at the time called my high school coach and asked him why he cut Ben. I did not know he was going to make that call. They then sent a message to me they wanted me to come back to the basketball team. But after they cut me I was not interested. I fell in love with running, and played basketball in the park. I also ran track in high school. I have probably been running about 15 years total now counting high school, and the past 12 years I have run fairly consistently since I started organized races in May, 2012. I always enjoyed movement though, and I like bike riding. I have a rowing machine I also use so my upper body remembers that it is still there. Running is the perfect sport for my personality anyway so it all worked out good. You just need a good pair of shoes and away you go.

I decided to do the Run the 502 because I like the River City Races runs.

My favorite distance is about 5 or 6 miles. I used to say a 5k but I like a bit more distance now, but not overly long.

My favorite places to practice run are Pope Lick Park, and Skyview Park. If I want hills I run Pope Lick North. If I want relatively flat, I run Pope Lick South. Skyview Park has hills in either direction.

One of the most unique races I ran was the Giant Slayer 5k in Bernheim Forest which was on a varied terrain course. We ran past the giants.

My favorite thing about running is the escapism. The world melts away when I am running. I also feel so much better and more relaxed the whole rest of the day after I have run that morning.

My running walking advice would always be to keep it fun, and don’t worry about finish place or timing. That will come.

I like running River City Races events because they are all conveniently located, and they all have ample parking. All you have to do is show up. It is also a good mix of park runs, and neighborhood runs. It is a well run organization.

The only thing else I would like to share is I have made great new friends since I started doing the organized runs. Most of my friends now are running related, and they are my family.

Runner Spotlight - Cheryl Hill

Don't let age be a deterrent

Cheryl Hill is the second of the eight participants who entered and finished all eleven races on the Run the 502 calendar.

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

I started running 10 years ago, in my 50's. I have always exercised but never tried running. I had a couple of relatives who were having a lot of fun running and doing races. So I decided to give it a try. I loved it so much that I wish I had started much earlier in life.

Why did you decide to do the Run the 502?

Run the 502 is a great set of races! I like the variety of locations and being able to run in different parts of the city. I usually run a few of these races throughout the year. Last year I wanted the additional challenge of trying to run them all. I was also training for my first marathon and these races were fun. They helped me remember why I started running and to not take my marathon training so seriously on every single run.

Favorite distance?

My favorite distance is the 10K. More of a challenge than a 5k but not the distance of a half marathon.

Favorite place to run?

I like the Parklands. If I need hill training, it's available. If I just want a flat course, it's there also. The scenery is beautiful and everyone is very friendly.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

I've done a number of half marathons. I try to travel to surrounding states and see different cities. The most unique race was the Indy Mini. The crowd support was amazing and you get to run a lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You can even stop and kiss the bricks. A close second would be the Disney Princess half marathon. It's a crazy race with most runners dressed in costumes. Plus you get to run through the Walt Disney World parks.

Favorite thing about running?

I like that I can run any time or any place. It relieves a lot of stress. There is nothing better than being outside, enjoying myself. Hot or cold weather - it doesn't matter to me.

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

I use the run/walk method. It allows me to run the longer distances and recover faster. I use it for every race, even 5k's. My advice is to give it a try if you find yourself getting tired and slowing down. You'll be amazed that you can run faster with a walk break.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

River City Race events are well organized. Every pace is welcome. As a back of the pack runner, there is plenty of encouragement. I also like that there is an awards ceremony afterwards. It's a nice way to wrap up a race.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Don't let age be a deterrent or an excuse. I hope I can continue running for many years to come.

Runner Spotlight - Patrick Fawcett

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

I guess around 13 years ago, I had the thought, "What if I'm the fastest human being in the history of time?" So I went running. Spoiler alert: I am not the fastest human being in the history of time.

Why did you decide to do the Run the 502? 

I love the challenge it presents. Finding the motivation to be at that starting line every few weekends with a goal of never missing an event, no matter how many times I'm required to run those hills in Cherokee Park. I was really fortunate this year to compete in the entire Run the 502 series, and I really mean it when I say it's one of my most meaningful accomplishments.

Favorite distance? 

I think 5 miles is a great distance. Especially on an early Saturday morning (as long as it's not too cold). I love finding a groove around 3 miles and then really pushing myself to the end.

Favorite place to run? 

The Highlands, hands down. Unfortunately I live in Southern Indiana, so I don't get to do it as often as I like. But sometimes after work, I go for a run in the neighborhoods by Bellarmine. I feel like I can always find a new route to take. All that being said, a dude on a scooter almost ran me over once on Bardstown Road. I would have disintegrated faster than Spider-Man after Thanos snapped his fingers. Keep your head on a swivel, folks.

Favorite or most unique race you have run? 

Years ago, I ran a night time race through Cherokee Park that was really cool. The stillness in the air made the whole thing feel very isolating, in a good way. I remember just staring at the sky several times and feeling completely lost in the moment. I also really enjoy the Downtown Doubler. I've run the 9 mile version a few times and even though it's a tough distance, the scenery just makes it a very relaxing, serene experience.

Favorite thing about running? 

I am not an athletic person. Apart from being tragically uncoordinated, I've always struggled with what feels like a profound absence of self-confidence. With running, I found an activity where my only competition was myself. I'm not sure why it clicked 13 years ago, but it did. I can set goals and push myself to meet or exceed them. To this day, I look at each run as an opportunity to compete with some aspect of myself. Maybe it's just about running a little farther or a little faster. Or maybe it's just about getting out there. Most of time time, it's more of a mental competition. Do I have the desire to actually do this today? Mental health is a real struggle for many of us. Running allows me to confront and physically work through a lot of things that my mind tries to sabotage. I know when I start running that I might not always get to where I want to be, but more times than not, I come out ahead.

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

A great playlist is essential. I see people who run without headphones and I'm just astonished by it. Music is one of the most beautiful gifts given to us. The power of a great melody or beat at just the right time can really make you feel otherworldly. I often think of that scene in Rocky where he's running along the beach and he hits another gear. That's how I feel when I'm in the final miles of a run and Wolfmother's "The Joker and the Thief" comes on. Or when I see the finish line up ahead just as the opening beat of The Flaming Lips "Race for the Prize" kicks in. Music is a powerful tool.  Also don't overlook the possibility of nipple chaffing. Science should really do something about that.

Why do you like running River City Races events? 

I like that no matter when or where the race is, I'll see my college friend Julie Wilbur or my former co-worker, Gina Kuzuoka. We may not run together or hang out before the race, but there's something really nice about seeing them out there. I'm proud of them both.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

Running has really been a transformative experience for me. It's hard and brutal and sometimes I absolutely hate doing it. But I find such comfort in the routine and in setting goals and achieving them. I've even learned to appreciate the disappointment that comes with not achieving some goals. I'm glad I found running and I know my life is better for it. Except for nipple chaffing. No one’s life is better for that. Seriously Science, you need to do something.