Runner Spotlight - Marianne Hopewell

3rd place 55-59 Age Group 2023 Polar Bear Grand Prix

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

I started running with consistency about 33 years ago at the age of 25. I had been "forced" to run as an age-group swimmer as a teenager and hated it, mostly because it was in the middle of the afternoon on hot asphalt when I wanted to be in the pool. Since starting as an adult there have been very few times when I have not run consistently. My start was on a treadmill, but now I run outside unless the weather is extreme.



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

We moved back to Louisville last April after 20 years away. I remembered it was a great place to find local races, so I googled. I wanted some races close by that would be fun and easy to train for. I signed up for most of the races of the Run the 502 series and thought the Polar Bear Grand Prix sounded like a fun winter time challenge. It didn't hurt that it was about a mile from my home.

Favorite distance?

My favorite distance for a daily run is 5 miles -- enough to be a good challenge, but not too much of a time commitment. My favorite race distance right now is the half-marathon because it's a demand but still doable. I do love a good fast 5k though!

Favorite place to run?

Without a doubt my favorite place to run is Cherokee Park. I'm lucky to live in the neighborhood and never tire of running through the beauty that we've been blessed with here. It's easy to add on miles with Seneca Park and Lexington & Bardstown Roads nearby. Plus, running those hills all the time kind of makes me fearless.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

It's hard to say what my favorite race is! I loved running the Chicago Marathon for its continuous crowd support through the entire (flat!) course, but nothing beats the spirit of the Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathon and the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon.

Favorite thing about running?

The best thing about running is the sense of accomplishment and empowerment I get every single time I lace up my shoes. It's absolutely my therapy.

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

Anyone who wants to run/walk can. My advice is just start! Do it for a few minutes and increase that when you can. Keep going!

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I love the River City Races because they are fun, local, and open to everyone. It's always great to see the familiar faces young and old. I also love seeing all the great dogs.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I'm so happy and grateful to be running 33 years later, especially after a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic melanoma in 2019. I run with 2/3 of my right lung now, but I run!

Runner Spotlight - Annabelle Walker

Meet Annabelle Walker, winner of the 20-24 age group at the 2023/24 Polar Bear Grand Prix

I started running because my step-dad said I would be good at it because I always went running with him because apparently I had to much energy in six grade lol. Gave it ago in the fall of six grade and I absolutely loved it! Everything about it and I was on the competitive side so I like beating people and felt like it was something I should keep doing. My step-dad coached me through many years of running being the best running partner anyone could every ask for. Unfortunately he passed away my freshman year of college..I still run for him because I told him I’d keep going. He got to watch me run one last time here in louisville, it was my first college race so it made it even more special he got to come. Still now even though I don’t run in college anymore, I love doing the local races and the atmosphere is awesome. The running community is just something else!

I decided to do the polar grand prix mainly for the metal series how they piece together but also the winter races I get to run with my dog so it’s even more fun.

Favorite distance right now would probably be a 10k just because when I do a 5k I feel the need to go faster but my body doesn’t want to lol.

I love running at the beach!! There is no need for music when you can hear the ocean waves crash right beside you, I just love it.(I secretly want to move there.)

Most unique place I’ve ran recently is a 5k in myrtle beach. It was a halloween run so I dress up of course.

Testing the limits of my body and knowing it’s not my body telling me to quit it’s my mind. That you are capable of more than what your mind is telling you and to not give up!

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS…I used to do this so much when I was in my early years of running. No matter how fast your going a 5k is a 5k, 10k is a 10k and so on. No matter the distance, you still did the distance and everyone should be proud of themselves for doing it!

This is actually my first year doing river city races and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be doing more races this year and years to come. Everyone is always so friendly and even strangers will come up and tell me “good job!” and it’s just an overall good running experience.

HAPPY RUNNING EVERYONE!!

Runner Spotlight - Mike Blackwell

Last week wrapped up our features on those who completed all eleven races on the Run the 502 calendar so now let's get to know winners from this year's Polar Bear Grand Prix. This week is Mike Blackwell who won the 55-59 age group.

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

I’ve been running for 18 years, starting at age 40, when my best friend John and I were talked into taking 5K legs on a Derby Marathon team. It’s been all downhill and uphill from there. I run regularly with two awesome local running groups, The Get Along Gang and One Step At A Time.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix? After doing a few of the Run the 502 races a few summers ago and enjoying them, I decided to go all in with Polar Bear and keep myself in race shape during the winter.

Favorite distance? 10K, though I took me many years to figure out pacing and how to appreciate each distance.

Favorite place to run?

Cherokee Park, on the trails, with fresh snow, some good friends, and a post-run beverage at Fantes. Louisville doesn’t get much better.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

Favorite is Grandma’s Marathon, which was the first marathon with my daughter Rebecca in 2018, and a PR for us both. Most unique race is Bourbon Chase, which I’ve done many times and will always treasure.

Favorite thing about running?

Runners are, by far, the most positive and supportive group of people I’ve known. Training and racing, especially long distances, involve a lot of alone time. The social aspect of running, though, balances everything out nicely. My running friends like to laugh, celebrate and encourage each other. When COVID shut things down four years ago, they became a lifeline. With tools like Strava, I’ve been able to connect with people from all different backgrounds, who are on the same journey.

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

Appreciate every mile like it’s your last. Run through pain, but not injury. Crosstraining, active stretching and nutrition are your friends. Seek out experts and get lots of opinions, but always listen to body.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

They are always well organized. They showcase the city, have lots of enthusiasm, good causes and great sponsors.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Find some good fitting shoes, friends that like to laugh and listen, and music, books or podcasts that get you motivated. See you at the starting line.

Runner Spotlight - David Keely

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 ran in high school in the 80's and as many folks do I took it back up as middle age crept in and my fitness level was noticeably lower. I started working out in 2013 and added running to my works outs in 2014 when I was on a business trip and all the elliptical machines in the hotel gym were taken one morning. I quickly signed up for a race that spring and haven't looked back since.

Why did you decide to do the Run the 502?

I have been a regular at River City Racing events since I started running in 2014 and have earned the Run the 502 medal every year. You can see me at almost every one of them with my fellow Galloping Geezer teammates. I think Louisville is a great running town and it's important to support local events. 

Favorite distance?

If you'd asked me this a few years ago I would have probably said the half marathon but as I get closer to 60 I gravitate more and more to the shorter 5K's and 4 milers. It's nice to race and still have some energy for the rest of the day!

Favorite place to run?

This one is easy - the home course of the Galloping Geezers team is Pope Lick Park on the Louisville Loop. If there isn't a race on a Saturday morning that's generally where you will find us. 

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

 In 2017 I ran the 3 Way with Extra Cheese at the Flying Pig weekend in Cincinnati. It was a 1 mile race on Friday night, a 10K followed by a 5K on Saturday morning and a half marathon on Sunday morning. It was a fun time and I'm glad I did it once but I prefer hometown races to destination races. 

Favorite thing about running?

Meeting up with my friends from our team - it's always a good time. After our normal 5 to 6 miler on Saturday morning we always walk a mile or two to cool down. It's such a fun social outlet. Also, I think the running community here is so supportive too. 

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

If you're thinking about it just go get a decent pair of shoes then do it. It's such a supportive community and the benefits of moving your body (especially as you age) are so important! 

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I like the traditions - the Polar Bear Grand Prix is probably my favorite. I prefer running in the cold vs. the heat anyway. Everyone is always so friendly. 

Anything else you'd like to share?

Just a shout out to my Galloping Geezer teammates - Rick, John, Ben & David are great runners and even better human beings!  

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.