Hard Rock 5K Fun Run/Walk

Pawnee Rock was once the halfway point on the Santa Fe Trail. In July, it will be the midway point of the new Hard Rock 5K Fun Run/Walk. Pawnee Rock Revitalization Member Jon Prescott said approximately $165,000 have already been raised, but more help is needed.

"The 5K run is our first formal fundraising event to continue raising money to continue redoing that entire community park," he said. "That 5K run is scheduled for July 22."

The Revitalization Committee began with the city clerk and assistant city clerk. It soon blossomed to six individuals and continues to grow. In March, the committee received a $50,000 donation from the Brad and Jeanine Haynes Advised Fund, in memory of Jeanine's parents, Keith and Marian (Schmitt) Mull. The Barton County Commission matched that donation for the purchase and construction of a new gazebo in the city park. The Haynes recently donated another $50,000 for the purchase of new playground equipment in the park.

The Hard Rock Run/Walk will be a fun way to bring more people to Pawnee Rock. Registration for the run is $25 through June 17, and includes a t-shirt. Medals will be handed out to the top-three finishers in each age group. Registration for the 1-mile walk/run is $15 and includes a t-shirt. A $5 breakfast will also be available to all competitors and spectators. The goal is to bring awareness and funding to the historical community.

"So many people aren't really aware of the history that Pawnee Rock has," Prescott said. "We're going to verbalize and educate the folks that come to run that, do they realize where you're standing? Do you realize the historic significance of this town and of that rock you're going to run up and around? We're going to talk about that and see if we can solicit some additional funding or donations from runners that will hopefully show up from all over the state."

The run is set to beat the heat at 7:30 a.m. on July 22. Bathrooms will be available throughout, and water stations will be available during the run. All proceeds benefit the Pawnee Rock Revitalization Project. CLICK HERE to register.

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post