The Samuel A. Mumley Memorial Classic, now 15 years old, has blossomed into one of the premier road races in the Ohio Valley. A total of 329 runners/walkers took part in last year’s event, which was five shy of the record set the year before.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8 a.m. and race organizers wanted to find a way to get more people involved.

Added to this year’s race is a Wellness Dash for children ages five and under.

“This non-competitive event will focus on the importance of wellness and physical activity as a means to build a solid foundation for healthy habits,” said Jessica Puglisi-sanders, Sunrise Rotary Club member and race committee member.

Registration will take place on race day and there is no participation fee.

The dash will cover the final stretch of the Mumley race and will begin moments after the 5K has taken to the course.

“Hopefully we’ll attract more kids to the race,” Sunrise Rotary Club member and race committee member Mike Smith added.

“The parents that are running the race, maybe their kids will take part in this while they’re on the course.” The Mumley 5K is also part of the Health Plan Grand Prix Series.

“Being a part of that really helps us attract a lot more people,” Smith noted.

Also new this year will be Mayor’s Trophies to the first male and female walker from St. Clairsville. The top male and female runner have been awarded the trophies in the past.

Other awards will be given to the top three overall finishers in the run and walk, and awards will be given to each age group winner in the two divisions.

Capturing first-place honors last season was former St. John Central standout Matt Riffle and recently-graduated St. Clairsville senior Juliana Madzia. Riffle toured the course in 17-minutes, 16.3 seconds. Madzia was timed in 19:48.2.

Post-race refreshments, door prizes and entertainment will be provided and the first 300 registrants for this year’s race will receive Dri-FIT shirts. Timing will be provided by RS Racing Systems.

The 5K will start and finish in front of the Belmont County Courthouse. The course winds through the downtown streets of St. Clairsville and includes a portion of the historic National Trail Bikeway.

Early registration will take place through Aug. 8. The cost is $15 until then and $20 thereafter. Checks can be made payable to St. Clairsville Sunrise Rotary, P.O. Box 81, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. Race day registration/ packet pickup is from 6:45-7:45 a.m.

For more information, contact any Sunrise Rotary Club member or call Jack McClain, treasurer, at 740-695-1691.