Carthage's Strawberry Strut sign up underway

CARTHAGE - Sign-up is now open for the 45th running of the Strawberry Strut in Carthage on Saturday, June 1.

             The Strawberry Strut includes the classic five-mile run along the Carthage Lake. Other events in this year’s Strut are a 5K run, a 5K walk and a one mile fun run/walk.

            To sign up, go to runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carthage/StrawberryStrut.  The fee for the five-mile run, the 5K run and 5K walk is $30 in advance, increasing to $35 on race day. The fee for the one-mile run/walk is $10, or $15 on race day.

            All 5-mile and 5k participants who are registered by May 16 will receive a performance quality T-Shirt. Those who register after May 16  will not receive a T-Shirt. One mile participants have the option to purchase a shirt for $15 during the registration process by May 16.

            The two 5K events in the Strut were added in 2022.

            “Everyone wanted to keep the traditional five-mile run. However, our committee felt the 5K distance would be more comfortable for some runners and walkers, and would encourage more people to take part,” said Kris Pilkington, chairman of the Strawberry Strut steering committee.

            Race event start times are staggered. Participants will start on the following schedule:

• 5-mile run – 8:15 a.m.
• 5K walk – 8:30 a.m.
• 5K run – 8:40 a.m.
• 1-mile fun run/ walk – 8:45 a.m.

            Race day registration is available at 7 a.m. and will end at 7:45 a.m. 

            Those who have pre-registered can pick up race packets on Friday,  May 31, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage, or after 7 a.m. the morning of the race. All race packets must be picked up by 7:45 a.m.

            Awards will be presented when runs are finished, at around 10 a.m. These include several memorial awards, and awards for numerous age groups.

            Those interested in being a sponsor for the Strawberry Strut can contact Pilkington at hct02@hancockcounty-il.gov or treasurer Andy Bastert at abastert@bankfortress.com.

            Proceeds from the race this year have been pledged to benefit Hancock County Fights Cancer, whose summer event will be held on the Hancock County Courthouse lawn later that same day.  Other events are planned on the square on June 1, coordinated by the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, including food trucks, sales vendors, store specials and entertainment.

            Watch Strawberry Strut on Facebook for updates.