The marathon is set for next Saturday and Fairchild said he expects to see 100-125 runners on race day. The race is planned to start at 8:30 a.m.
The route follows through downtown Chanute before heading north on Petrolia Road and west on Bridge Street to Humboldt. From Humboldt, runners will follow 1400th Street, then head east on Montana Road and weave their way to the square in Iola. Along the way, runners will pass the Ashland Grove Portland cement plant, Monarch Cement Co. plant and the former Lehigh Portland Cement Plant.
Shuttles will begin transporting runners to the starting line in downtown Chanute at 6:45 a.m. from the south side of the square in Iola, across from El Charro restaurant. Once at the starting line, the first shuttles will leave just after the start of the race at 8:40 a.m. From that point, the shuttles will run every 15 minutes to drop off runners at relay points to meet their teammates. Runners are responsible to decide where they would like to be dropped off, according to how many people are on their team and the distance they plan to run.
There are seven aid stations planned along the race, approximately every three miles. Aid stations during the race will provide water, first aid, Gatorade, Band-Aids, fruit and Gui gel energy shots. Medical stations provided by Ashley Clinic and Family Physicians will be located in Humboldt and Iola and Port-a-pottys will be available at the start and finish.
Following the race, a DJ and local cheerleaders will be cheering the runners on, and hot drinks will be available. Thrive is requesting that Iolans come at 11:30 a.m. to cheer on runners as they finish the race. Toland said he wants to make as much of a “festival atmosphere” as possible.
Late registration for the race is currently open. The fee for an individual runner is now $75, or $210 for a team of up to eight runners. For more information, contact Thrive Allen County at (620)-365-8128.
Marathon nuts and bolts
