Forty-year legacy a credit to fair run volunteers

Anything that lasts 40 years today, in a society that values new things and modern events over tradition at times, is certainly laudable. Whether it’s a business, length of time as a coach and even a marriage, 40 years is something to celebrate.
    That’s the case for the Chase County Fair Run, which will take off for the 40th consecutive time this Saturday morning, standing out as one of the most sustainable events of this great county fair.
    As with anything that reaches the pinnacle of 40 years, it takes people who care and love a community enough to keep a popular event going.
    Jonathan and Tracy Beverly originally with sponsor Running Times, along with Brad and Jill Moline of Imperial Super Foods, have served as the fair run directors/sponsors since the event celebrated its 25th year in 2003. They have contributed a lot of time and energy to this event all those years, and have done so during a very busy fair with so much else going on. But they do it because they love running and helping to continue a rich fair tradition that has stayed true to its roots.
    They have followed in the footsteps of many other race directors starting with Pat McNair and Marlea Thompson of McNair Agency, who coordinated the first one in 1979 and several years afterwards. Others have included the Chase County Fair Board and Chamber of Commerce (Race Directors Craig Heskett and Geoff Clark) and McChesney Martin Sagehorn and Frenchman Valley Family Practice (Race Directors Brian and Terri Commins).
    Added to the efforts of all the race directors over the years are so many more volunteers including timers, recorders, those at water stations and others who gather up the medals and door prizes each year. It takes a lot of people to continue such a popular event that started with just nine runners its first year, growing to 190 in its biggest year in 2013 when it celebrated anniversary No. 35.
    This year, even if you aren’t an avid runner, you might consider taking part in the mile walk/run or the 5k. If you’re 12 and under, there’s also the option of a half mile event on the school track—and those 12 and younger can compete in any of the events free. For everyone else, it’s just $20 and you take home a T-shirt and some great memories.
    Let’s keep the fair run going strong. Even if you don’t want to run or walk, come out and support those who do. It’s a great tradition and warrants our continued support. Happy 40th!