Sign up now for the “RUN for the Bells” road race events at the 2008 Bell Tower Festival. The races will be held on Saturday morning, June 14 and will start and finish at the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson. There will be three events; a one-mile run starting at 8 a.m., a 5K run to start at 8:20 a.m. and a two mile fun walk starting at 8:05 a.m.

Under the sponsorship of the Greene County Medical Center (GCMC), the races, “Run for the Bells”, will benefit the Mahanay Carillon Tower bell acquisition project. A portion of the proceeds from the races will go to the Bell Tower Foundation to help purchase more bells.

There is a charge for the 1 mile and 5K. Registration information for all three events is available from the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce at 515-386-2155, on the website www.belltowerfestival.com or from Jacque Andrew at the Greene County Medical Center at 515-386-2114. No fee is charged for the walk. On-site, day of the race registration will start at 7 a.m.

The course is run on hard surfaced roadways in Jefferson and is relatively flat and fast, say organizers. Every effort is made to keep vehicular traffic off the course, however, since the course is partially run through a residential area, only the major intersections are controlled. Caution must be taken for traffic coming from side streets and driveways.

            Both races have male and female divisions and the one mile offers seven age brackets and five brackets in the 5K.  There are no age categories for the walk which is offered for fun, fitness and fellowship.

Water and first aid for all participants will be available at the halfway mark of the 5K and at the start/finish line. All results will be announced after the 5K race on the Bell Tower plaza at approximately 9:30 a.m.. Trophies will be presented to the top male and female finishers in the 5K race. Medals for the top three places in all divisions will be awarded. 

The community center start and finish is an opportunity to showcase the facility to visitors and local residents alike. “This is an excellent opportunity to acquaint runners and walkers who may be visiting Jefferson as well as area residents with the center as well as offer adequate, convenient parking for the event,” said a medical center spokesperson

Complimentary refreshments will also be available at the community center for participants who may use the shower there too after they run. “It is our hope that people will come to participate in the races and stay for the Festival,” the spokesperson said.