The Tech Army ROTC is hosting the 20th Annual Golden Eagle Country Run in less than a month. Door prizes and other goodies will be rewarded to the other participants. Awards will also be given to winners.
The run/walk is one of the oldest and toughest in the Upper Cumberland and welcomes participants of all ages and ability levels.
Senior Cadet Stephen Sexton said, “Anyone can participate. We expect to have between 150 and 200 participants this year.”
Participants are able to register as individuals, teams, or, new to the run this year, as buddies. The “Bring a Buddy” option is for two people to register together at a discounted price. Teams must register together, have a minimum of five runners, and have at least one runner of the opposite sex to receive the discounted price.
Medals will be awarded to the top three males and top three females in both races, as well as a medal for the top finisher in all age groups. Age groups include 12 & under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.
The race is put on by Senior Cadets and Cadre, and the planning, staffing, conduct and timing of the event serves as a final test before they commission as Army officers. According to the race website, it provides “real world experience in leadership before they start their Army careers.”
Funds raised will go to the Cadets Student Fund. Cadets are able to fund activities and goods such as food for football tailgating, the Spring Military Ball, Cadet t-shirts and other clubs.
“We’re hoping to be able to raise $5,000 this year,” said Cadet Sexton. “That money will go to the Cadet fund, which helps us buy training equipment. This includes everything from paintballs to MG simulators.”
Early packet pickup is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. until Friday, April 11 in the ROTC office, upstairs at West Tucker Stadium. Race day registration and packet pickup is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot the day of the contest. Cadet Sexton said packets include a t-shirt, a glass, vitamins from GNC and information about other races. The National Guard provided the bags.
Regular registration will continue from now until race day and cost $35 for an individual runner, $65 for two runners or $85 for five runners.
The 10K and 5K will take place on Saturday, April 12 outside of West Tucker Stadium and start at 8 a.m. and 8:10 a.m., respectively.
For information regarding sponsorship, race schedule, or with any questions, contact Cadet Major Stephen Sexton at stephensexton25@gmail.com, call (931) 372-3283 or visit goldeneaglecountryrun.com.
