OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY – Wendell Foster, a local non-profit organization serving people with disabilities, held the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K on March 23, 2024. The event, presented by Owensboro Health, celebrated its fifth year with 793 participants. The event started and ended in Downtown Owensboro’s Smother’s Park, and included both 13.1 mile and 3.1 mile routes. The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K is Owensboro’s only half marathon race.
The organization saw an uptick in registrations for the race in January and February, leading to a sold out race one day before online registration was set to close. “It had been 15 months since our last WFHM & 5K, so we were thrilled at the increase in registration numbers!” expressed Kara Howard, the WFHM & 5K Race Director. “Owensboro and the running community welcomed us back with open arms. This event impacts over 2,000 people with disabilities supported by Wendell Foster, and we couldn’t do it without our participants.”
Athletes in both the half marathon and 5K divisions also stressed the importance of the event to the community. “I love the fact that this particular race has become an Owensboro event,” said Jeff Fritz, a half marathon runner. “It is for a great cause, but (the race) has also brought in the community!” Mary Shelman, a 5K participant, agreed, adding, “It was a great race experience- running through the Wendell Foster cheering section at mile one was hugely motivating!” Another highlight of the race was the addition of the Steps Division. Six Steps Division participants crossed the finish line after a year-long journey of taking 26,000 steps to equal a half marathon. This was the first year for the Steps Division, a new and innovative way for people with disabilities to participate in the WFHM & 5K.
Over 400 volunteers from various local businesses, non-profits, and groups made the race possible. Volunteers were placed throughout the course to direct runners, pass out water and Gatorade at 11 water stations, and cheer on participants. Volunteers gave 1,114 hours of their time prior to the race, at the race expo, and on race day. The race was also supported by the City of Owensboro and the Owensboro Police Department.
The 2024 event is expected to gross an estimated $120,000, thanks to registrations and support from race sponsors. Other sponsors included Volunteer Sponsor, Edward Jones, Finish Line Sponsor, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, and Steps Division Sponsor, Boardwalk Pipelines.
Wendell Foster is excited to announce the 2025 race will be held on March 22, 2025. “We can’t wait to build on the momentum from this year’s event and bring the community together again to run or walk for Wendell Foster in 2025!” Howard exclaimed.
Those interested in learning more about the event can visit, wendellfoster.org/halfmarathon. For additional information about the 2025 WFHM & 5K, please contact Race Director Kara Howard at [email protected].