Runner Spotlight - Ben King

I started running in high school in 1967 on the cross-country team because they told us to do that if we were going out for basketball. After a while I did not run for many years but did a walk/jog for my exercise and played basketball in the park. Then in May 2012 there was a "Run for the L of It" 5k on Belknap Campus where I worked at U of L. I wondered if I could still run 3 miles without mixing in the walking. I ran it without any walking and loved it. That is when I started running again without any walking, and started entering River City Races, and other races. So, the total years I have been running without mixing in walking counting organized races and in high school is probably about 14. As long as my body will move, I intend to continue.

I love the Polar Bear Grand Prix. After enjoying my first organized run in May 2012 I started looking around for other runs. I saw the Polar Bear series, and thought it sounded like fun. My first Polar Bear series started in December 2012 with the Reindeer Romp. I like that each individual race of the three races stands on its own, but then they also get put together as a series. You get a finish for each race, and then a finish with the three races together. I also like the way each Polar Bear Race gets a bit longer without being overly long. I have done many of the River City Races since then except when I was sick or injured.

My Favorite distance is anything 10k and under. I am somewhat a creature of habit.

My favorite place to run is Pope Lick Park. If I want a fairly flat course there I run south. If I want the challenge of the hills, I run north. I usually run 5 miles there. My other favorite place is Skyview Park. There I usually do 4 miles because it is not quite as nice as the loop at Pope Lick Park but it is close to my home.

My favorite races are the ones in Cherokee Park because I like the course and the hill challenges. I also have a soft spot in my heart for races in Iroquois Park especially any there that go all the way up on top of the hill and encircle the meadow up there like the Thanksgiving morning 5 miler. That meadow was our home cross country course at Iroquois High School. I also love running on Belknap Campus.

The most unique race I have run for myself was the 2018 Downtown Doubler. It was unique for me because I don't usually run that far and that was my first 9-mile race. But I loved doing it, and I loved the scenery as you got further west towards Lanham Park with all the trees. I enjoyed seeing that part of town especially on foot that I was not used to seeing.

My favorite thing about running is just for the enjoyment of it, and it is a great stress reliever. When I am running, I can forget about all the other things of the world.

My main running/walking advice would be to enjoy the experience and don't worry about where you finish. I seem to be running a bit slower now than I was a few years ago, but I think I am enjoying it more than ever.

I like running River City Races because it is a well-run organization, and they have great locations for their runs. Many are in Cherokee Park, and neighborhoods that are fun to run in.

I would also like to share that I have made many great friends since I got into running organized races. Most of my close friends are now running related friends, and it all seems like a big happy family. Especially after retiring from U of L after 40 years, I really enjoy the camaraderie.

Runner Spotlight - Chris Tatum

Thanks for the consideration! I'd love to share a little. My running journey has been unique, and I still marvel at some of the things I've been able to accomplish!

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I started running in 2013, or thereabouts, and the story I like to tell is that my wife and I got into an argument I just couldn't take any more of. Tired of the argument I boldly declared, "I'm going for a run!". She looks at me shocked and points out, "But, you don't run?" and as I headed out the door I said, "I do now!"... I know that interaction happened, once, but it wasn't the 'real' reason I started running. I started for my health, physical and mental. I was slightly overweight, I had quit smoking about 5 years prior (after nearly 15 years of smoking), and I needed to get a grip on my health. Running felt like as good a way as any. That's when the love affair began.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

I love local races and I have participated in the Polar Bear Grand Prix a handful of times. I don't do 'speed' very well, rather 'distance' tends to be my goal. I use the Grand Prix series as a motivator, training tool, and measure of my fitness. I'll run to the start line, from my home in Fern Creek/Highview neighborhoods (about 10 miles), then really put myself to the test and run the race as fast as my legs will allow. I've never been truly disappointed with my results and my running goals require me to teach my body to run on "tired" legs. Plus, it's always great to see familiar faces from the local running community and watch people smash their personal goals. I don't know what it's like in other cities and towns, and maybe I'm just really immersed in it, but I think (greater) Louisville has an amazing running community.

Favorite distance?

Probably the marathon or 50k. Both are challenging distances, they occupy a decent amount of time (plenty of time to think!) and I feel like I've accomplished a lot when I'm done with them. Last year, in preparation for my 2022 goal race, I took a week off from work and ran x8 marathons, in as many days, on a variety of terrain and at differing efforts. Every day I may have been tired, but I knew I put the work in.

Favorite place to run?

Without question, the Parklands. I live closest to Broad Run, but I know that series of parks "inside and out". It's such a gem and the Louisville Loop is a great place to run. Gate to gate (Broad Run to Beckley Creek - I've run it a few times) is about 19.5 miles of relatively safe, mostly uninterrupted pavement with regular bathroom stops and water in the summer. There are few other places in town to find that much variety, with those qualities. We have a plethora of local parks that are great - e.g., Cherokee, Iroquois, Jefferson Memorial for trail running, etc. - but due to its blend of convenience (for me) and variation, the Parklands are the best, in my opinion.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

I have a tie for two of my races.

First, is my second 100-miler - the Falls 100 at the Falls of the Rough, KY in 2020. It was a brutal, muddy slog, but to date, I've never been more proud of my effort AND the effectiveness of my training in preparing me for the race and conditions. I finished in 30 hours and some change (30:34, I believe...), and wrecked my shoes, but I was back at it and running within the following week or so. I ended 2020 with a (personal) record of 3,000 miles run that year.

Second, and more recent, was my completion of the 2022 Cape Wrath Ultra, in Scotland. It was an 8-day, 240 (or so) mile 'stage race' through the Scottish highlands. It was the hardest, most difficult thing I've EVER done, but I completed it in 74-ish hours. It was their wettest and coldest running of the race, to date, and I was one of only a 100 or so finishers, from a field of 300 or so starters (about a 60% drop rate) - and the only American that year to finish. I worked and trained for this particular race for over a year and it presented challenges I could never have expected (ask me about the Scottish bog sometime!) but 8 days and 10-15 pounds of body fat later, I completed it. Completion was a testament to my grit, for sure, but it also helped me also to realize the importance of SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT. The kindness, patience, support, and encouragement of one of the volunteers - also a runner - saved my race from a particularly awful day midweek during the event, where I almost quit.

Favorite thing about running?

Time on my feet outdoors. I don't run on them often enough, but I love trails. However, a quick 10k around my neighborhood is usually good enough for me. I need it to disengage from the hustle of life.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Every mile is a good mile. You CAN do hard things, and they have real value. Pick a goal, then enjoy the process - it's often more rewarding than the goal.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I love the local running community and I think that River City Races is one of the better racing companies in town. The Polar Bear Grand Prix is a winter institution and a great motivator to keep on going outside, even if it's a "little cold". Remember - layer up!!

Anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you for the opportunity to share a little about my running journey.

Runner Spotlight - Nick Asher

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I’ve stopped and started running a few times, but I’ve been running solidly for 3 years now. Around 3 years ago, I wanted to lose a little weight and had done a few halves and decided to sign up for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in 2020.  I was training and everything was going great… then Covid happened and it (and everything else got canceled). I still ran the marathon solo with a friend supporting the latter half, and by then, I’d caught the bug.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix? 

I saw it in the Swag’s newsletter and it sounded fun. I’m glad I did! I got a team of a few friends together and we did all the races and had a great time!

Favorite distance?

Marathon. There’s just something about the challenge of it and the ability to kind of get lost in the race itself. Every race I’ve ever done has its positives-- I’ve yet to run a race I didn’t like--- but there’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment after a marathon.

Favorite place to run?

Jefferson Memorial Forest. They’ve got some great trails and it’s just really pretty running in the forest. Depending on the time of day and the weather, you can almost have the place to yourself during the winter months. When I’m running on the road, which is most of the time, I love Cherokee or Iroquois park. 

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

I did Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota last year. It was a beautiful race, and I got lucky with perfect race-day weather. The race starts in a small town up the shore on Lake Superior and you just run along the lake down to Duluth. It’s also a decently big race in a pretty small town, so it’s kind of cool to see the place get taken over by runners for a weekend. Everybody up there is super supportive of it and there is just great race-day energy everywhere.

Favorite thing about running?

You can do it anytime and just about anywhere. If you need a little exercise, to get outside for a little, or even just to clear your head; it’s always there. And, it’s even better with friends.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Maybe if I offer this advice I’ll learn to be better at taking it myself: it’s OK (and even healthy) to slow down for a little while every once and a while--- especially after an injury or getting sick. Runners can be very “go, go, go” but sometimes taking a break helps us to bounce back. And this is just a hobby that’s supposed to be fun anyway right?

Why do you like running River City Races events?

They’re fun, well-organized, and attract a good crowd of runners. 

Anything else you'd like to share?

Have fun! That’s what it’s all about right?

Runner Spotlight - Dana Guyer

Berserk for Berserker Brew

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running? 

I started running at age 14 so I have been running on and off for 42 years. Some girls tried to beat up my mom after a softball game and I got really upset. I had no place for my emotions so I went for a run. I found out that it made me feel Sooo much better. I have been running ever since! My field hockey coach in high school recommended track to improve my field hockey endurance so I did. This was a totally different type of running - sprinting from a distance run was a new adventure for me. I played Field Hockey for the University of Louisville and after my career ended I needed a fitness outlet and began running 5ks, then 10ks then half marathons... My friend Bland Matthews, talked me into running a Rugged Maniac about 15 years ago and that gave me yet another activity that involved running to really get involved with!!! My friend Glen Richardson mentioned the idea of trail running to me probably 7 years ago... and a new journey began!!!

Favorite distance

I don't have one. It just depends on my mood and time. At home a quick 5k on the road, when time permits I like a good 10k on the trails... but I just like to get a short run wherever I am and have time for.

Favorite place to run

I love to run Jefferson Memorial Forest. I love the beauty and the quiet and ALWAYS a challenge. I mainly love running anywhere. If it is nice and quiet and I don't have to worry about traffic I'll run it!

Favorite or most unique race you have run? 

My favorite place to run is at the beach in St. Augustine FL. I lived in St. Augustine for 4 years and it became my safe place to get away from the world and work. 

Favorite thing about running? 

My favorite thing about running is that it only takes a good pair of shoes! You can run anywhere and any time! It is always there when you need it!!! I have finished working at 3 am and gone for a run! Running is the perfect activity for my fitness and sanity! 

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

No not really - everyone runs for different reasons and everyone's body reacts differently. I hear people give advice all the time and it mostly is just a personal choice. Just keep running and doing what works for YOU! 

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I love running River City Races for a number of reasons: they are close to home, good distances and the cost isn't over the top. I enjoy all the courses and the people that I get to see at the races!!! So nice job River City!!! 

Anything else you'd like to share? 

I have been afforded such a great opportunity with running - I have met the best people in any place that I run!!! Running communities are just amazing and encouraging! Running and my friendship with Bland Matthews and Berserker Brew Coffee has also allowed me the opportunity to workout with Berserker Strong and improve my overall fitness which has helped me with not only trail running but also Spartans and Atlas Challenges! 

Berserker Brew Coffee is the coffee engineered for athletes. No Sugar OR Fat needed for a superior coffee experience. First Attack is all day smooth coffee. We will be serving Berserker Brew Coffee at the Reindeer Romp on September 9th.

Runner Spotlight - Randy Garrett

2022/23 Polar Bear Grand Prix 65-69 Age Group Champion

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running? Thinking back to when I started running adds up to a lot of years and miles ago. I started running seriously 48 years ago for stress relief, good health, and math. In college as an engineering student I had many math formulas to memorize and would write them on index cards and review them as I put in the miles.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix? The Polar Grand Prix races were my first races after moving to Louisville in 2014. Such a beautiful course and so much runner enthusiasm. That keeps me coming back and running them.

Favorite distance? My favorite race distance is the half marathon. It’s also a good distance for me to train for as it stretches out my mind and body and makes me work hard. My mind does drift as I run and it provides plenty of time for that.

Favorite place to run? Since I try to run as often as I can, my favorite place to run is anywhere out my back door. Louisville has some great neighborhoods and parks. It is just a blast to take off and explore and gaze.

Favorite or most unique race you have run? Having run ten Ragnars across the country, and three Bourbon Chase races here, the most beautiful course I have experienced is the Wasatch Back Ragnar in Utah. Just a very interesting course with beautiful scenery all along the way. You should go for it!

Favorite thing about running? My favorite thing about running is that it just makes me feel good and feel like I am an athlete. Trying to lead a healthy life is important and running certainly contributes to that. But, it just makes me feel good (at the end of the run that is).

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer? My advice is that the road goes on forever and we all should too. Don’t stop, or if you do get back out there or do something to keep moving.

Why do you like running River City Races events? Running River City Races give me goals to set and push for. The Grand Prix gets me out into that crowd of runner’s enthusiasm that is so cool to be a part of. Runners having a good time.

Anything else you'd like to share? To end I would say continue to push yourself while listening to your body. See you on the road.