OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY – Wendell Foster, a local non-profit agency serving people with disabilities, is introducing a new division to the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K. The Steps Division, sponsored by Boardwalk Pipelines, is a new and exciting way for people with disabilities to complete the half marathon or 5K. The race, which has been moved to March 23, 2024, will honor National Disability Awareness Month.

 

The Steps Division aims to make racing more accessible for people with disabilities. Participants in the Steps Division will have the opportunity to complete either a half marathon or a 5K by recording their steps over the course of a year. On race day, participants will take their final steps across the finish line alongside runners in the half marathon and 5K divisions. Each Steps Division participant will be medaled to honor their accomplishment.

 

Three Steps Division Ambassadors took their first ceremonial steps for the division at March’s Rooster Booster breakfast. Wendell Foster will document the Ambassadors on social media throughout the year as they work towards their goal of completing a half marathon.

 

Kara Howard, Race Director, expressed her excitement at the addition of the Steps Division. “We are absolutely elated to see this vision of inclusivity come to life this year, and we are thankful to have Boardwalk Pipelines as a partner in this division. Whether you are sprinting, strolling, or stepping, this is the race for everyone,” she said. “We hope to have those near and far participate in the Steps Division with us. It will be a race to remember!”

 

The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, presented by Owensboro Health, has been an annual event since 2019. As Owensboro’s only half marathon race, over 3,000 runners have participated in the event since its inception. In 2022, the race added a 5K alongside its half marathon and running stroller divisions. Voted as Owensboro’s Best Running Race in 2022 by the Best of Owensboro Living, the race begins and ends in Smother’s Park.

 

Registration opened on March 1 for all divisions of the race. Participants can register at https://wendellfoster.org/halfmarathon/.