It’s a mid-August Saturday morning. The moon is on the wane and the sun has not yet shown itself.
Activity is beginning to pick up. Tables are being set up, boxes brought out, sound systems made ready, and water and fruit prepared. If one looks, he might catch a glimpse of a runner or walker warming up. Volunteers are taking their places along the course. Law enforcement is on the move and taking their positions. The electronic Start/Finish Line is activated and tested.
As the starting time of 7:30 approaches, the crowd continues to grow. On-site registration is rapidly ending. Pre-registration packets are now going fast. The clock continues to tick, and the excitement continues to build. The Race Director announces ten minutes until registration is closed. He emphasizes that registration will close at precisely 6:45am. There is a rush, then the announcement, “Registration is now closed.” The field is set, over 400 runners and walkers are now on the roster. The announcement comes, “Runners and walkers to the starting line please.” A mass of humanity moves toward the Starting Line. “Runners to the front please, check your bib. Make sure you have a runner’s bib. Walkers to the rear and check your bib as well.” It is now 7:28, two minutes to the start for runners. Last-minute instructions to both groups. And then, “Runners take your mark, get set,” and they are off. Walkers then move to the Starting Line, two minutes to start time. It is now 7:32 and walkers are on their way. The annual Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce Garden Spot Run and Walk is underway.
On August 12, 2023, the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce will host the 41st edition of the Garden Spot Run and Walk Presented by Med Center Health & The Medical Center at Franklin. Beginning at the historic square in downtown Franklin, the 3.1-mile course runs south through residential neighborhoods and would be considered gently rolling. As the participants travel the mostly-flat course, they experience both shaded and sunny conditions. Along the way, residents line the streets to encourage the runners and walkers. With two water stations, participants have every opportunity to hydrate themselves for the road ahead.
As the participants cross the Finish Line they are greeted with encouragement from an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers. Race officials insist the runners and walkers get water, fruit, and sports bars to rehydrate and replenish their energy.
This event is truly a community event with Med Center Health & The Medical Center at Franklin the signature sponsors the past 16 years. In addition, contributing sponsors include: City of Franklin, Simpson Fiscal Court, Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, Priceless IGA, Franklin Bank and Trust Company, Legacy Group Properties, The Mint at Kentucky Downs, South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College, NHK/New Mather Metals, Wilkins Eye Care, German American Bank, Franklin Precision Industries and Franklin Electric Plant Board. In addition to sponsors, the event will bring together approximately 120 volunteers including individuals, members of the Chamber, the Franklin-Simpson High School Softball Team, the Franklin-Simpson High School Cheer Team, Franklin Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Am Vet’s Ladies Auxiliary and the Franklin Rotary Club, as well as law enforcement from the Franklin Police Department and the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department. Public Works from both the city and county play a huge part in the successful operation of the event.
Participants can register online at www.runsignup.com or in person at the Chamber Office at 201 South Main in Franklin. Pre-registration and online registration is $20 until 11:59pm August 6th, at which time online registration will end. Beginning August 7th, the registration fee will be $30 until race time. For more information, contact Steve Thurmond at www.sthurmond@f-schamber.com, or by calling 270-586-7609.
-submitted by Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce
