Runner Spotlight - Alexandria Salois

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

I have been running in some capacity since high school. I used it at first for cross-training because I used to be a dancer. Over time, it came to be my main "sport" around 2012 when my husband decided that he would train for a marathon and I decided that I would train for a half marathon since I was only half crazy. That is actually the year I started to do the Polar Bear series.

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

It was a nice series in the winter season where there is not much racing happening to stay in quasi race shape for the Spring races. This past year the distances were just right for my son to run with me.

Favorite distance?

I have grown to love the marathon, I have been away from the distance the past few years because I am finishing up my doctorate but I hope to be back at it soon. I am the type that loves to try and figure out a "formula" of what works and does not work in races. However, if any of ya'll have run a marathon, your plans might quickly go out the window, but I think that is the factor that draws me to the distance.

Favorite place to run?

I really do not like any sort of elevation, which is a bit difficult around here so I would have to go with a season, I love running in fall and winter, I am a big cold runner.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

My most favorite race to run was the Chicago marathon. My eventual goal is Boston so that might replace it, but for now it is definitely Chicago.

Favorite thing about running?

I think I most like the fact that running includes everyone no matter their skill level. On a personal level, I enjoy the stress release that it gives me.

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

I am learning as I am getting older the importance of cross-training to keep the injuries away (weight training, swimming, bike etc).

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I think now that I can share them with my son they are more special to me.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Really just to go out there and have fun, running is the best sport that can support many different goals for many different people. Happy Running!

Runner Spotlight - Sidney Chumbler

I was not always a runner, but I’ve always been an athlete. I started running 5 years ago after I retired from playing college softball . I needed a competitive and athletic outlet to compete in and running stuck.

I decided to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix after running in my first few run the 502 races in August. My friends and I have been running these races together. We love the challenge of the hills on the courses and the beautiful routes that are chosen for each race. The trail portion of the longer races are always a highlight. I look forward to meeting new friends and seeing all the cute dogs.

My favorite distance to compete in is the 10k. I also run a lot of 5ks and some mini marathons.

My favorite race that I run in every year is called Dave’s Jingle Dash in Calvert City Kentucky. My uncle organizes it every year in efforts to raise money for Christmas presents for the  Marshall County Family Resource Center. It’s so fun to run with my family for such a good cause.

My favorite running advice someone has given me is to vary your running training. Run sprints, hills, and slow runs. It changes up your routine and brings some excitement to your training. It makes every run different and can improve your overall pace.

I enjoy River City Race events because they are well planned. They also have great locations like Cherokee park (who doesn’t love those hills?!) and the Louisville Bats Stadium.

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.