Yes, the numbers were down and yes, it was beastly hot. ORGANIZERS worry that the novelty of the midnight race has worn off with locals. This year’s race tally was less than half of Charley’s peak, more than 1,000 runners and walkers in 2012.
But Saturday night’s Charley Melvin Mad Bomber Run for Your Life is still the coolest thing in town.
More than 400 sweated through the midnight walk/run. Even at that hour the stifling temperature coupled with high humidity posed a challenge. It was not a night to aim for a personal best.
While the walk/run, Charley’s signature event, seems to be losing ground, pre-race activities are gaining steam.
The 9:30 p.m. Parade of Lights brought about the most kids ever with their bikes decorated to glow in the dark and the Drag Race attracted a strong number of comely men who provided spectators with lively entertainment.
In fact, most of those registered were from out of town.
It would be a shame if Iola let this unique event fall to the wayside.
Now in its seventh year, the Charley Melvin draws people to Iola from all over the state. Just look at the race roster and you see participants from Manhattan, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, Parsons, Kansas City and a host of smaller towns.
To a one, the out-of-towners marveled at the uniqueness and levity of the midnight run. And the post-race energy that comes naturally from the camaraderie of the effort was unsurpassed.
It was good, clean fun — past midnight!
Every year, the Charley Melvin, hosted by Allen County Crimestoppers and Thrive Allen County, gets tweaked in order to find the right combination of events and activities.
Do they have it perfected? Probably not.
Do they need your help to make it the best-ever? Absolutely.
— Susan Lynn
While out-of-towners flock to Charley; local numbers way down
