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Q& A KAREN DONNELLY
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S MORE AND MORE RUNNERS TAKE TO THE STREETS IN ROAD RACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, OUR OWN SMALL CITY HAS HOPPED ON THE BANDWAGON. A REVIVAL OF THE OCALA RUNNER’S CLUB HAS BROUGHT AREA RUNNERS TOGETHER, BOTH SPEEDSTERS AND NEWBIES ALIKE. And
thanks to the efforts of some area running bigwigs, the Big Hammock Race Series will be introduced this year. The series includes some of Ocala’s most popular races, with distances ranging from the 5K all the way up to the marathon. One of the running fanatics responsible for organizing the series, Karen Donnelly, explains what the series entails—including shirts, prizes and, of course, some serious bling!
How did you come up with the idea for a race series? Our main goal was to revive the Ocala Runner’s Club. We wanted to draw awareness to the sport and give people a place to go to learn more about the sport.
So why take on the work of hosting a series? The big races fill so quickly anymore. We wanted to bring some of the fun and energy of those races to our community. People love running for medals, and we’ve got some great ones!
WANT TO GO?
How does the series work? The series consists of seven races total with four of them considered “super races.” You can earn points at each race and double points at the super races. At the end of the series, we have prizes for top three overall point winners in every age category for both male and female as well as special medals for those who run all four super races.
How did you come up with this format? Not everyone is elite and will place in the top three every time out. This gives us slower runners incentive to run more races and a chance to earn some prizes.
THE BIG HAMMOCK RACE SERIES Turkey Trot 5K Kick Off, 11/26/2015 Reindeer Run 5K (Super Race), 12/12/2015 Ocala Marathon Weekend (Super Race), 1/17/2016 Valentines Day 5K, 2/13/2016 Live Oak International 5K (Super Race), 2/28/2016 St. Paddy’s Day 5K (Super Race), 3/19/2016 Four on the Fourth Finale, 7/04/2016
When does the series begin? The series kicks off with the Turkey Trot in November and includes some area favorites like the Reindeer Run, St. Paddy’s Day 5K and the Ocala Marathon.
How do you enter? It’s $15 to enter the series through December 31, but you can also join the Ocala Runner’s Club and automatically be entered in the series for $25 through November 1. Being a club member will get you discounts at running shops and certain races as well.
Find Out More To learn more about the Ocala Runner’s Club and the Big Hammock Race Series, visit ocalarunnersclub.com or
bighammockraceseries.com.
UPCOMING EXHIBITS AT THE APPLETON (ONGOING) People & Places Of North Vietnam, 1948-1968: Selections From The Bruce H. Blowitz Collection features a sizable collection of rare mid-20th century Vietnamese works on paper, including historically invaluable Communist party propaganda posters. The exhibit runs through October 4. Masterworks From The International Guild Of Realism features 65 awardwinning works that range from the ultra-contemporary to timeless and traditional Realism. The exhibit runs September 5 through November 1. The Ocala Art Group’s annual juried exhibition will be on display through November 1. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455. MARION COUNTY CHILI COOK-OFF REGISTRATION (ONGOING) Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off. The Cook-Off will take place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion on November 7. Registration is $70 through October 9 and $90 after. Awards include best of show chili, best of show booth, people’s choice, salsa contest, cake/pie contest and more. marioncountychilicookoff.com or (352) 895-1648.
OPENING NIGHT TICKET SALES (THROUGH OCTOBER 23) Tickets are now on sale for the opening night concert at the newly renovated Reilly Center. The inaugural concert will include selections from Disney’s Fantasia, and guests will be treated to Gustav Holst’s The Planets, seen like never before with a live orchestra and HD video projections above the stage. Tickets can be purchased through the Ocala Symphony. ocalasymphony.com or (352) 351-1606. APPLETON AFTER HOURS (OCTOBER 1) The popular after-hours event features live Continued on page 82
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