Cedar Rapids Run the Flood Held on June 13, 2009

Nearly one year ago the city of Cedar Rapids experienced the worst natural disaster to hit the town and eastern Iowa. Over 10 square miles of the city were directly affected by flood waters and thousands of citizens lost their homes - many who remain displaced today.

To help the city of Cedar Rapids rebuild a race event has been organized called Cedar Rapids Run the Flood. This first annual running race takes place on the one year anniversary of the historic Flood of 2008.

The route for the 7-mile run (or walk) goes around the flooded areas of Cedar Rapids offering participants a first-hand view of the areas of the downtown impacted by the flood waters. Timing chips will be used for runners participating in the 7-mile run.

There will also be a 2.5-mile walk (or run) through many of the impacted areas of Cedar Rapids downtown area. The 2.5-Mile course will educate runners and walkers as they stroll through areas impacted by the flood. Flood facts, photos and waterline markers will be placed along the route for viewing. This route will not be timed and remains open for three hours. All participants must complete the route by 12:00 pm.

The routes for each of these races will go through flooded business and residential areas. Each race begins at 9 am on the morning of June 13, 2009.

The Cedar Rapids Run the Flood is a charity event, all proceeds from the race will be donated to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for Flood Recovery.

If you are interested in participating in the race, registration is available online through June 11, 2009. Runners can also register online at the YMCA on Friday, June 12^th from 5-8 pm or the morning of the race in Green Square Park from 7:30 - 8:55 am. The registration fee is $35.

All runners participating in the race will receive a commemorative 2009 Cedar Rapids Run the Flood t-shirt, free admission to Floodstock which is a daylong music festival/fundraiser for flood relief and free refreshments after the race.

The race route begins on 2^nd Avenue SE before the railroad tracks located between 5^th Street SE and 3^rd Street. Races finish before the railroad tracks on 4^th Street SE. Runners are then encouraged to attend the after party held in Green Square Park. The party runs until noon. Snacks on hand include water, bagels, granola bars, cookies, bananas and apples. Or racers can enjoy chiropractic services as well as massages after the race.

For more information, visit the Cedar Rapids Run the Flood web site.

Sources:

www.crruntheflood.com